PHYC30017 – Problem Solving Session 5

Question 1
Consider a four spin non-interacting paramagnetic system.
(a) On a number line for energy, sketch all possible configurations of the system
(b) Write down the multiplicity as a function of energy
(c) Hence write down the partition function, 𝑍𝑍, as a function of energy

Question 2
A system is composed of 𝑁𝑁 weakly interacting subsystems, each of which possesses just two non-degenerate
energy states 𝐸𝐸1 and 𝐸𝐸2 . The system is at temperature, 𝑇𝑇.
(a) What is the partition function of the total system?
(b) What is the mean energy 𝐸𝐸 of the system?
(c) What is the heat capacity, 𝐶𝐶𝑉𝑉 , of the system?
(d) Sketch the temperature dependence of 𝐸𝐸 and 𝐶𝐶𝑉𝑉 .

(These problems will continue into session 6)

Question 3
A system has four energy states, with energies 𝐸𝐸1 = 𝜔𝜔, 𝐸𝐸2 = 2𝜔𝜔, 𝐸𝐸3 = 2𝜔𝜔 and 𝐸𝐸4 = 3𝜔𝜔
(a) What is the partition function of the total system?
(b) What is the mean energy 𝐸𝐸 of the system?
(c) What is the heat capacity, 𝐶𝐶𝑉𝑉 , of the system?
(d) Sketch the temperature dependence of 𝐸𝐸 and 𝐶𝐶𝑉𝑉 .

Question 4
(a) Show that the partition function for a 1-D harmonic oscillator with frequency 𝜔𝜔 is:

1
𝑍𝑍1𝐷𝐷 =
2 sinh�12𝛽𝛽ℏ𝜔𝜔�
(b) Hence show that:
ℏ𝜔𝜔 ℏ𝜔𝜔
I. The mean energy of the oscillator is: 〈〈𝐸𝐸 〉〉 = 𝐸𝐸 = +
2 𝑒𝑒 𝛽𝛽ℏ𝜔𝜔 −1
1
II. The average value of the oscillator quantum number is: 〈〈𝑛𝑛〉〉 =
𝑒𝑒 𝛽𝛽ℏ𝜔𝜔 −1