Paper 3, Section II, C

Statistical Physics | Part II, 2010

(i) Given the following density of states for a particle in 3 dimensions

g(ε)=KVε1/2g(\varepsilon)=K V \varepsilon^{1 / 2}

write down the partition function for a gas of NN such non-interacting particles, assuming they can be treated classically. From this expression, calculate the energy EE of the system and the heat capacities CVC_{V} and CPC_{P}. You may take it as given that PV=23EP V=\frac{2}{3} E.

[Hint: The formula 0dyy2ey2=π/4\int_{0}^{\infty} d y y^{2} e^{-y^{2}}=\sqrt{\pi} / 4 may be useful.]

(ii) Using thermodynamic relations obtain the relation between heat capacities and compressibilities

CPCV=κTκS\frac{C_{P}}{C_{V}}=\frac{\kappa_{T}}{\kappa_{S}}

where the isothermal and adiabatic compressibilities are given by

κ=1VVP,\kappa=-\frac{1}{V} \frac{\partial V}{\partial P},

derivatives taken at constant temperature and entropy, respectively.

(iii) Find κT\kappa_{T} and κS\kappa_{S} for the ideal gas considered above.

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