Recent content by Bigfoots mum

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    Coarse Graining in Statistical Physics: Resolving the 2nd Law of Thermodynamics

    A common exam question for my statistical physics course asks you to explain how we 'reconcile the issue of the 2nd law of thermodynamics with physics at the miscroscopic level'. It mentions that we should make particular reference to the gibbs entropy and how it may be resolved through...
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    Webpage title: How can I measure the threshold voltage for my muon experiment?

    Hi, Im currently doing an experiment with muons : detection, measuring lifetimes, mass etc. Im currently struggling with a basic measurement. I have a standard NIM crate setup, with discriminator, delay, coincidence units etc, and an oscilloscope. I have no user manuals for any of the units...
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    Solving Bizarre Integral: x/[z2(x2+z2)1/2]

    Now then, I am close to shedding a tear with this one. This integral has been popping up in a few electromag examples iv been doing and i have absolutely no idea what's going on here. The integral is 1/[(x2+z2)3/2] with respect to x According to the textbook the answer is...
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    Can a substitution solve this integral problem with Emag integration?

    No its not, my question is why is this integral equal to the quoted answer. I gave my attempt at the answer, which is nothing like the actual answer. I am baffled.
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    Can a substitution solve this integral problem with Emag integration?

    Iv used a computer, and it tells me its correct! Otherwise, yes i would have done as you said.
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    Can a substitution solve this integral problem with Emag integration?

    Now then, I am close to shedding a tear with this one. This integral has been popping up in a few electromag examples iv been doing and i have absolutely no idea what's going on here. The integral is 1/[(x2+z2)3/2] with respect to x According to the textbook the answer is x/[z2(x2+z2)1/2]...
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    Four-Vectors: Definition Issues & Exam Prep

    Im having some four-vector definition issues. I have a relativity exam coming up and they quite often ask about 4-vectors. 1) Does this definition sound ok? 'A four-vector is 4 numbers, say X=(X0, X1, X2, X3), used to describe an event in minkowski space. The 'zeroth' is the time component...
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    Entropy Change in Reversible and Irreversible Cycles

    Thanks muchly mapes, i was getting the old knickers in a twist for no reason there.
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    Entropy Change in Reversible and Irreversible Cycles

    Iv made this question sound more complicated than it really is, haven't I?! Since its a closed cycle i presume there is no net change in the working substance after the cycle, and therefore the entropy change in the substance is zero?
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    Entropy Change in Reversible and Irreversible Cycles

    I know its a state variable, hence my reasoning for part 1). Im not sure what your hinting at to be honest. Part 2) has me confused, mainly due to the fact its talking about the working subtance itself, and not a 'system', and how to reason for part 2).
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    Entropy Change in Reversible and Irreversible Cycles

    Now then, a past paper question worth 3 marks. What is the entropy change of a working substance taken around 1) a completely reversible closed cycle and 2) a closed cycle containing irreversible steps? Explain your reasoning. Now this question has me a tad confused. I think that for part...
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    Relativistic CM frame Kinetic energy

    I used Kinetic Energy T = E - mc^2 where E is the total particle energy and mc^2 is the rest energy. Therefore gamma is 2, and we're away with the mixer. I just wasnt sure if this method would apply in the CM frame, but then I am not sure why it wouldnt! Thanks for the response
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    Relativistic CM frame Kinetic energy

    Now then, this is a past paper question for only 3 marks but its annoying me. 2 identical spheres undergoing an elastic relativistic collision. The spheres move with a speed such that their CM frame kinetic energy is equal to their rest energy. Calculate the speed the spheres in the CM...
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    Is 600J the Minimum Heat Transfer to Maintain Entropy in a Thermodynamic Cycle?

    Hi, i just want to check my reasoning on this problem. A working substance is taken around a closed cycle that involves performing some external work. It absorbes heat Q1 = 1000J from a resevoir at T1 = 1000K, and heat Q2 = 2000J from a resevoir at T2 =2000K. The only other exchange of heat...
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