4.II.34D

Statistical Physics
Part II, 2005

Write down an expression for the partition function of a classical particle of mass mm moving in three dimensions in a potential U(x)U(\mathbf{x}) and in equilibrium with a heat bath at temperature TT.

A system of NN non-interacting classical particles is placed in the potential

U(x)=(x2+y2+z2)nV2n/3U(\mathbf{x})=\frac{\left(x^{2}+y^{2}+z^{2}\right)^{n}}{V^{2 n / 3}}

where nn is a positive integer. The gas is in equilibrium at temperature TT. Using a suitable rescaling of variables, show that the free energy FF is given by

FN=kT(logV+32n+1nlogkT+logIn)\frac{F}{N}=-k T\left(\log V+\frac{3}{2} \frac{n+1}{n} \log k T+\log I_{n}\right)

where

In=(2mπh2)3/204πu2eu2nduI_{n}=\left(\frac{2 m \pi}{h^{2}}\right)^{3 / 2} \int_{0}^{\infty} 4 \pi u^{2} e^{-u^{2 n}} d u

Regarding VV as an external parameter, find the thermodynamic force PP, conjugate to VV, exerted by this system. Find the equation of state and compare with that of an ideal gas confined in a volume VV.

Derive expressions for the entropy SS, the internal energy EE and the total heat capacity CVC_{V} at constant VV.

Show that for all nn the total heat capacity at constant PP is given by

CP=CV+NkC_{P}=C_{V}+N k

[Note that 0u2eu2/2du=π2.]\left.\int_{0}^{\infty} u^{2} e^{-u^{2} / 2} d u=\sqrt{\frac{\pi}{2}} .\right]