Paper 2, Section II, D

Statistical Physics
Part II, 2019

Using the classical statistical mechanics of a gas of molecules with negligible interactions, derive the ii deal gas law. Explain briefly to what extent this law is independent of the molecule's internal structure.

Calculate the entropy SS of a monatomic gas of low density, with negligible interactions. Deduce the equation relating the pressure PP and volume VV of the gas on a curve in the PVP V-plane along which SS is constant.

[You may use eαx2dx=(πα)12\int_{-\infty}^{\infty} e^{-\alpha x^{2}} d x=\left(\frac{\pi}{\alpha}\right)^{\frac{1}{2}} for α>0.]\left.\alpha>0 .\right]