The equilibrium number density of fermions at temperature T is
n=h34πgs∫0∞exp[(ϵ(p)−μ)/kT]+1p2dp
where gs is the spin degeneracy and ϵ(p)=cp2+m2c2. For a non-relativistic gas with pc≪mc2 and kT≪mc2−μ, show that the number density becomes
n=gs(h22πmkT)3/2exp[(μ−mc2)/kT]
[You may assume that ∫0∞dxx2e−x2/α=(π/4)α3/2 for α>0.]
Before recombination, equilibrium is maintained between neutral hydrogen, free electrons, protons and photons through the interaction
p+e−↔H+γ
Using the non-relativistic number density (∗), deduce Saha's equation relating the electron and hydrogen number densities,
nHne2≈(h22πmekT)3/2exp(−I/kT)
where I=(mp+me−mH)c2 is the ionization energy of hydrogen. State clearly any assumptions you have made.