Statistical Physics(I), 2019 Spring

Homework Assignment #1
Instructor: Prof. Jeng-Dar Chai
TA: Yun-Chih Liao

Due Date: March 18, 2019

Problem 1
Assuming that the entropy S and the statistical number Ω of a physical system are related
through an arbitrary functional form
S = f (Ω),
show that the additive character of S and the multiplicative character of Ω necessarily require
that the function f (Ω) be of the form

S = k ln Ω.

[10 points]

Problem 2
Four moles of nitrogen and one mole of oxygen at P = 1atm atm and T = 300K are mixed
together to form air at the same pressure and temperature. Calculate the entropy of mixing
per mole of the air formed. [10 points]

Problem 3
Derive
(1) an asymptotic expression for the number of ways in which a given energy E can be
distributed among a set of N one-dimensional harmonic oscillators, the energy eigenvalues
of the oscillators being n + 21 ~ω; n = 0, 1, 2, · · · , and

(2) the corresponding expression for the “volume” of the relevant region of the phase space
of this system. Establish the correspondence between the two results, showing that the
conversion factor ω0 is precisely hN .
[20 points: 10 points for each question]

Problem 4
Study the statistical mechanics of an extreme relativisitic gas characterized by the single-particle
energy states
hc 2
1/2
ε(nx , ny , nz ) = nx + n2y + n2z .
2L

1
 (1) Show that the ratio CP /CV is 4/3.

(2) Derive the thermodynamic properties T, P of the system.

[20 points: 10 points for each question]

Problem 5
Part (1)
R∞ −x2
Following the method of Appendix C of the textbook 1 , replacing the equation −∞ e dx =
√
π by the integral Z ∞
e−r r2 dr = 2,
0
show that
N

(8πR3 )N
Z Z Y
V3N = ··· 4πri2 dri = .
(3N )!
i=1
N
X
0≤ ri ≤ R
i=1

Using this result, compute the “volume” of the relevant region of the phase space of an extreme
relativistic gas (ε = pc) of N particles moving in three dimensions. Hence, derive expressions
for the various thermodynamic properties of this system and compare your results with those
of Problem 4. [20 points]

Part (2)
Solve the integral Z Z
··· dx1 · · · dx3N
3N
X
0≤ |xi | ≤ R
i=1

and use it to determine the “volume” of the relevant region of the phase space of an extreme
relativistic gas (ε = pc) of 3N particles moving in one dimension. Determine, as well, the
number of ways of distributing a given energy E among this system of particles and show that,
asymptotically, ω0 = h3N . Compare the thermodynamics of this system with that of the system
considered in Part (1). [20 points]

1
Pathria, R. K. and Beale, Paul D. (2011). Statistical Mechanics (6th Ed.). Oxford. Oxon: Academic Press.