What is Helmholtz: Definition and 179 Discussions

Hermann Ludwig Ferdinand von Helmholtz (31 August 1821 – 8 September 1894) was a German physicist and physician who made significant contributions in several scientific fields. The largest German association of research institutions, the Helmholtz Association, is named after him.In physiology and psychology, he is known for his mathematics of the eye, theories of vision, ideas on the visual perception of space, color vision research, and on the sensation of tone, perception of sound, and empiricism in the physiology of perception.
In physics, he is known for his theories on the conservation of energy, work in electrodynamics, chemical thermodynamics, and on a mechanical foundation of thermodynamics.
As a philosopher, he is known for his philosophy of science, ideas on the relation between the laws of perception and the laws of nature, the science of aesthetics, and ideas on the civilizing power of science.

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  1. B

    Magnetic Field in plane 90 degrees off Helmholtz coil axis?

    In a recent Physics lab, I experimented with the magnetic field generated by two Helmholts coils. I used a Hall probe, and some software created by the Grad students to plot the field strength against probe position in a series of configurations. I understood almost all of the lab, I...
  2. A

    Helmholtz free energy in the canonical ensemble

    Hello everybody :D My question is: given the distribution of the canonical ensemble, how do we get the helmoltz free energy? I think we can't use A = U-TS because we don't know how to write S. So what's the solution? Thanks
  3. 8008jsmith

    Deriving Magnetic Field from Helmholtz Coil Lab Data | Homework Question

    Homework Statement I had a lab where we used Helmholtz coils to measure the period of a bar magnet (1/s2) vs output current. The graph of this is a straight line. Using the slope, I am supposed to be able to derive the C constant and then that divided by the intercept is supposed to yield the...
  4. D

    Formula for Helmholtz Coil with a finite thickness?

    The formula for Helmholtz coil is given by mu*(0.8^1.5)*nI/R, where I is the current, n is te number of coil and R is the radius of the coil. Now assume the bunch of coils have a small 'thickness' w (so it looks like a hollow cylinder with a very small height), and the the two coils are...
  5. X

    The grand potential and total Helmholtz free energy

    what's the relation of the grand potential J=F-\mu N and total Helmholtz free energy of "system and particle environment" F^{tot}? In K. Sekimoto's book "Stochastic Energetics" P182, P310 and P311 (see screenshots in the link): Does it mean the followings:J=lim[F_{tot}-\mu N_{tot}]...
  6. DivergentSpectrum

    Helmholtz theorem derivation question

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helmholtz_decomposition#Derivation how do we go from to also on the next step ∇' just means the gradient with respect to r', right? Also, why do i have to use the dirac delta function? i thought it was only used to deal with discontinuities? also when we say...
  7. A

    Helmholtz double layer help

    If a current is being applied to a solution with mobile ions in it, why don't the cations lose electrons and the anions gain electrons creating neutral atoms like they do in electrolysis, what causes these ions to stay charged and form a charged lager when they could just gain/lose charge and...
  8. grandpa2390

    Calculating E/M for Helmholtz Coils -- help please

    edit: wait... I think the discrepancy is that I calculated Coulombs per kg? and the accepted value I was looking at was in abcoulombs per kg. If that is indeed the case, then my answer is indeed close to the accepted value of 1.76 * 10^11 Coulomb/kg. 1. Homework Statement I am trying to...
  9. SalfordPhysics

    Helmholtz Resonator using voltmeter

    Hi, I am trying to understand how precisely a voltmeter is used to measure the resonant frequency of a sound wave in a helmholtz resonator. Is it simply that the maximum voltage corresponds to the resonant frequency? A detailed description or external link would be great. Many thanks.
  10. A

    Have a software that solves Helmholtz equation, can I use it for Poisson?

    I only took one class of PDE and even though I do remember the relationship between Laplace and Poisson I really do not recall Helmholtz at all. Anyways, I am trying to figure out if my software (a software I found online, FISKPACK) that solves Helmholtz equation can be used to solve Poisson...
  11. E

    Helmholtz equation and Multislice approach

    Hi there! I have a problem about the proof of an equation in microscopy. I think this is the right section because it is about solving the Helmholtz equation. I'm looking to Wikipedia page http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multislice where they try to solve the Schrödinger equation for an electron...
  12. fluidistic

    Statistical mechanics, ideal gas, Helmholtz FE and chem. pot.

    Homework Statement I am trying to solve a problem but I am confused on what's going on with an approximation. I have to find the pressure in function of V, T and N of an ideal gas using the partition function, then obtain the chemical potential in function of T, p and N and I must graph it in...
  13. G

    Helmholtz in spherical co-ordinates - Boundary Conditions

    Hello, I was just after an explanation of how people get to this conclusion: Say you are looking at the Helmholtz equation in spherical co-ordinates. You use separation of variables, you solve for the polar and azimuthal components. Now you solve for the radial, you will find that...
  14. G

    Pertubations To Helmholtz Equation

    Consider the Helmholtz Equations with a perturbation p(r) [gradient^2 + p(r) + omega^2/c(r)^2 ]u(r,w) = 0 Does anyone know where I can find resources to the solutions/discussion of this equation? I can find many things such that p(r) = 0 , but the RHS = forcing function, but that is not...
  15. A

    Enthelpy ,gibbs free energy, helmholtz free energy

    To analyze what does the enthalpy, gibbs free energy and helmholtz free energy are used?What is actually meant by usable energy?
  16. Kelsi_Jade

    Helmholtz energy of Simple solid

    The problem is : a) Find Helmholtz free energy F(V, T) of a simple solid. b) Use the result of part a) to verify that (∂F/∂T)v and (∂F/∂V)T are consistent with S(T, V) and P(V, T) in equation P=a0T-b0ln(V/V0) I know: Helmholtz free energy is F=U-TS and dF=-SdT-PdV S=-((∂F/∂T)v)...
  17. Y

    Question on using solution from Helmholtz equation in Poisson equation

    Helmholtz equation stated that \nabla^2 u(r,\theta,\phi) =-ku(r,\theta,\phi) = f(r,\theta,\phi) This is being used for Poisson equation with zero boundary: \nabla^2 u(r,\theta,\phi) = f(r,\theta,\phi) and u(a,\theta,\phi)=0 I just don't see how this can work as k=m^2 is a number only...
  18. Y

    Help in deriving series expansion of Helmholtz Equation.

    Orthogonality of spherical bessel functions Homework Statement Proof of orthogonality of spherical bessel functions The book gave \int_{0}^{a}\int_{0}^{2\pi}\int_{0}^{\pi} j_{n} (\lambda_{n,j}r) j_{n'} (\lambda_{n',j'}r) Y_{n,m}(\theta,\phi)\overline{Y}_{n',m'}(\theta,\phi) \sin\theta...
  19. Kelsi_Jade

    Helmholtz free energy of simple solid

    The problem is : a) Find Helmholtz free energy F(V, T) of a simple solid. b) Use the result of part a) to verify that (∂F/∂T)v and (∂F/∂V)T are consistent with S(T, V) and P(V, T) in equation P=a0T-b0ln(V/V0) I know: Helmholtz free energy is F=U-TS and dF=-SdT-PdV S=-((∂F/∂T)v)...
  20. P

    Proving general solution of Helmholtz equation

    Homework Statement Prove that F(k•r -ωt) is a solution of the Helmholtz equation, provided that ω/k = 1/(µε)1/2, where k = (kx, ky, kz) is the wave-vector and r is the position vector. In F(k•r -ωt), “k•r –ωt” is the argument and F is any vector function. Homework Equations Helmholtz...
  21. Y

    Is Helmholtz equation a Poisson Equation?

    Helmholtz equation:##\nabla^2 u=-ku## is the same form of ##\nabla^2 u=f##. So is helmholtz equation a form of Poisson Equation?
  22. I

    Enthalpy vs Helmholtz: Understanding the Difference

    Hi, i just wanted to confirm that i had the concepts right. So, if i was on Earth and i created something out of nothing (please just bear with me..), and i supplied all the heat that the created system had, then the total energy i would be supplying would be the enthalpy right? and if i...
  23. Q

    Helmholtz resonator equation. How do I do this? Please help.

    Helmholtz resonator equation. How do I do this?? Please help. L = 0 Vo = 473.17 (I think its cubed though I calculated it from 16 ounces, so I should be cubed right??) A = What I am solving for F = 480 hz V= speed of sound which is 340.19 at sea level If Vo needs to be cubed then A...
  24. Q

    Can someone with a helmholtz calculation equation.

    I want to find out how wide the port needs to be for specific frequencies. I suck with math. I have the volume, and the frequency, there will be no neck. Can someone break down the step of how to figure out the port. Also, what units are necessary? I want to just use cm, will that be fine if I...
  25. Y

    Calculation of Helmholtz energy

    Homework Statement The 4 fundamental equations of thermodynamics are: dE = TdS - PdV dH = TdS + VdP dG = VdP - SdT dA = - PdV - SdT Supose a gas obeys the equation of state P = \frac{nRT}{V} - \frac{an^{2}}{V^{2}} Use one of the fundamental equations to find the change in Helmholtz energy...
  26. M

    Helmholtz Energy Proof (thermodynamics)

    Homework Statement Define the Helmholtz free energy as F=E-TS. Show that the internal energy E=-T2\frac{∂}{∂T}(\frac{F}{T})V Homework Equations S=(\frac{∂F}{∂T})V Perhaps \beta=\frac{1}{\tau} and \tau=kBT The Attempt at a Solution E = F+TS E = F+T(\frac{∂F}{∂T})V . . . (some...
  27. Y

    Condition of Helmholtz theorem to hold.

    I want to verify this, according to Griffiths p 557: \vec{F}(\vec r')=-\nabla U+\nabla\times\vec A ONLY if both ##\nabla U\; and \; \nabla\times\vec A\rightarrow\;0## faster than ##\frac 1 {r^2}## as ##r\rightarrow\;\infty##. But the requirement of ##\vec{F}(\vec r')## is only...
  28. C

    Find an Expression for the Helmholtz free energy

    Homework Statement I am attempting the problem below, I might have the correct answer but would appreciate if someone could confirm this (or tell me where I'm going wrong). Consider a statement having 2 states, one at energy 0 and one at energy ε. Find an expression for the Helmholtz free...
  29. Y

    Question in proof of Helmholtz Theorem

    I have a math question in this:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helmholtz_decomposition. If you look at the proof, what is \nabla_x\frac {1}{|\vec x-\vec x'|}\;and\; \nabla_x \times \frac {1}{|\vec x-\vec x'|} My thinking the first one is just the gradient of ##\frac {1}{|\vec x-\vec x'|}##...
  30. Y

    Why Does Helmholtz Theorem Use Position Vector at Observation Point?

    In page 555, Appendix B of Intro to electrodynamics by D Griffiths: \nabla\cdot\vec F=D,\;\nabla\times\vec F=\vec C\;\Rightarrow\;\nabla\cdot \vec C=0 Griffiths let ##\vec F=-\nabla U+\nabla\times \vec W## \nabla\cdot \vec F=-\nabla^2U=-\frac{1}{4\pi}\int...
  31. M

    NH Modified Helmholtz Equation with Robin Boundary Condition

    Hi, I am working on a quite difficult, though seemingly simple, non-homogeneous differential equation in cylindrical coordinates. The main equation is the non homogeneous modified Helmholtz Equation \nabla^{2}\psi - k^{2}\psi =...
  32. T

    Surface Temperature of Helmholtz Coil

    I am designing a Helmholtz Coil with radius 0.5m with 20 gauge Copper wire having 1000 turns. The power generated by passing 1A current through the coil is around 130W. One coil weighs 15.4kg and the cylindrical surface area exposed to air is 0.364m^2. I need to calculate the steady state...
  33. W

    The best method to solve Helmholtz equation for a irregular boundary

    i have an almost square region. By 'almost' i mean the edges are curvy, not completely straight. i now need to solve the Helmholtz equation with Dirichlet boundary condition what is the best numerical method? how is Finite element, though i do not know what Finite element is
  34. D

    Temperature CONFUSION in derivation for Helmholtz Free Energy

    Dear all, I have been spending 12 hours on this and cannot seem to come up with a solution. We derive Helmholtz Free Energy (A) from the second law of thermodynamics. dS(Total) = dS(system) + dS(surrounds) we try to express dS(surrounds) with properties of the system. Assuming...
  35. fluidistic

    Stability, Helmholtz free energy mathematical relation proof

    Stability, Helmholtz free energy mathematical relation "proof" Homework Statement I must show that \left ( \frac{\partial ^2 F}{\partial V ^2} \right ) _T=\frac{\frac{\partial ^2 U}{\partial S^2} \frac{\partial ^2 U}{\partial V ^2} - \left ( \frac{\partial ^2 U}{\partial S \partial V} \right...
  36. A

    Difference between enthelpy, Helmholtz free energy,& Gibbs free energy

    I am study chapter 5 of An Introduction to Thermal Physics by Schroeder and I am having trouble understanding his explanation of the differences between enthaply, Helmholtz free energy, and Gibbs free energy. Schroeder defines enthalpy of a system as its energy plus the work needed to make...
  37. J

    Fundamental Thermodynamic Relation and Helmholtz Energy

    I'm confused about the condition for spontaneity for the Helmholtz energy. My textbook (McQuarrie, "Physical Chemistry") derives the conditions as follows. We start with the combined law of thermodynamics: dU = δq + δw ≤ TdS – PdV since δq/T ≤ dS dU – TdS + PdV ≤ 0 For a process at...
  38. T

    Scaling Helmholtz equation

    Hi, I have tried to solve eigenvalue problem of the Helmholtz equation ∇×1/μ∇×E-k2E=0 in 2D, where k2=k20-β2 is the eigenvalue and k0=2*π/λ0 is the wavenumber in vacuum. Also β=neff*2*π/λ0 where λ0 is the wavelength in vacuum. Because constants ε=εrε0 and μ=μrμ0 are not very convinient...
  39. G

    Calculating Helmholtz energy (incl degeneracy)

    Hi I'm trying to calculate Helmholtz free energy from definition \frac{\partial A}{\partial T}=\frac{\partial}{\partial T}(kT\mathrm{ln}\; Z). First \langle E\rangle=\sum\limits_i p_i E_i=\sum\limits_i E_i\frac{g_i e^{-\beta E_i}}{Z}=\frac{1}{Z}\sum\limits_i E_i g_i e^{-\beta...
  40. D

    Having trouble with Helmholtz Coil Experiment Calculations

    Homework Statement Number of wraps of coil on magnetic moment in field: 100 - N_c Number of wraps of coil on Helmholtz coil: 140 - N_h Current through magnetic moment: .796A - I_c Area of magnetic moment: .37m - A_c Radius of Helmholtz coil: .1635m - R_h Current through Helmholtz coil to...
  41. S

    Comparing Series & Parallel Connections of Helmholtz Coils

    Hi, With the condition that 2 helmholtz coils are parallel with each other sharing the same axis in space . . . What are the differences between electrically connecting up the coils in series and in parallel? cheers
  42. B

    Solving the Helmholtz Equation for a Point Source

    Homework Statement By integrating (2-55), over a small volume containing the origin, substituting ψ = Ce-jβr/r, and letting r approach zero, show that C = 1/4π, thus proving (2-58). Homework Equations (2-55): ∇2ψ + β2ψ = -δ(x)δ(y)δ(z) (2-58): ψ = e-jβr/(4πr) The Attempt at a...
  43. B

    Solving the Helmholtz Equation for a Point Source

    Homework Statement By integrating (2-55), over a small volume containing the origin, substituting ψ = Ce-jβr/r, and letting r approach zero, show that C = 1/4π, thus proving (2-58). Homework Equations (2-55): ∇2ψ + β2ψ = -δ(x)δ(y)δ(z) (2-58): ψ = e-jβr/(4πr) The Attempt at a...
  44. G

    Green function Helmholtz differential equation, monodimensional limit

    The solution of the problem \left(\nabla^2 + k^2 \right)\psi(\mathbf{r})=f(\mathbf{r}) is, using green function \psi(\mathbf{r})=-\int G(\mathbf{r},\mathbf{r}_1) f(\mathbf{r}) where for the tridimensional case the Green function is...
  45. GreenAce92

    Helmholtz coil based air thruster?

    Material in context is in a different color (blue) Okay I'd like to first begin by claiming/stating a few things. One I'd like someone with the proper/accurate knowledge to evaluate my idea which may already have existed preceding tonight which is when I thought of applying some things I had...
  46. A

    Helmholtz free energy related query.

    hello This is a section from Callen, Herbert B - Thermodynamics and an Introduction to Thermostatistics "Any equilibrium state can be characterized either as a state of maximum entropy for given energy or as a state of minimum energy for given entropy. But these two criteria nevertheless...
  47. J

    Sturm-Liouville theory applied to solve Helmholtz equation

    Homework Statement Find the eigenfunctions of the Helmholtz equation: \frac{d^2y}{dx^2}+k^2y = 0 with boundary conditions: y(0)=0 y'(L)=0 Homework Equations General Solution: y = Asin(kx) + Bcos(kx) The Attempt at a Solution I found that at y(0) that B=0 and that...
  48. H

    Earth's Magnetic Field Experiment / Helmholtz Coils?

    Homework Statement In my ab, we were supposed to obtain the horizontal component of the Earth's magnetic field by measuring the period of oscillation of a bar magnet in a known field using the Helmholtz coils, a resistor, and an AC power amplifier. Now during this experiment I had issues with...
  49. Q

    A strange but reasonable solution for Helmholtz equation

    Hi guys, I have a question when solving 3D Helmholtz equation derived from Maxwell equations. Normally I will get a plane wave solution. But when I used the method of separation variables for the three components Ex Ey and Ez, I found that the vector k in these three can be different as long...
  50. M

    PDE Helmholtz eq. in 3D + boundary value)

    Hi!This is a quite sophisticated problem, but it’s interesting and challenging! Consider the following case: Let’s say we have a 3-dimensional disk with a radius r_{2} and a thickness d (so it actually is a cylinder with a quite short height compared to radius). We’re interested in solving...
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