(a) What is meant by the canonical ensemble? Consider a system in the canonical ensemble that can be in states ∣n⟩,n=0,1,2,… with energies En. Write down the partition function for this system and the probability p(n) that the system is in state ∣n⟩. Derive an expression for the average energy ⟨E⟩ in terms of the partition function.
(b) Consider an anharmonic oscillator with energy levels
ℏω[(n+21)+δ(n+21)2],n=0,1,2,…
where ω is a positive constant and 0<δ≪1 is a small constant. Let the oscillator be in contact with a reservoir at temperature T. Show that, to linear order in δ, the partition function Z1 for the oscillator is given by
Z1=sinh2xc1[1+δc2x(1+sinh22x2)],x=kBTℏω
where c1 and c2 are constants to be determined. Also show that, to linear order in δ, the average energy of a system of N uncoupled oscillators of this type is given by
⟨E⟩=2Nℏω{c3coth2x+δ[c4+sinh22xc5(1−xcoth2x)]}
where c3,c4,c5 are constants to be determined.