In summary, the conversation was about a paramagnetism problem from a Statistical Mechanics class textbook. The problem involved finding the net magnetic moment (M) from a minimum Helmholtz free energy. The equations used included the temperature parameter, partition function, Boltzmann distribution, net magnetic moment, energy, entropy, and Helmholtz free energy. The difficulty was in deducing M from a minimum Helmholtz free energy and the suggested solution involved setting the statistical weight of the microstate and calculating the entropy.
  • #1
Je m'appelle
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Hello, I've been having some trouble with a paramagnetism problem from my Statistical Mechanics class textbook (F. Mandl, Statistical Physics, 2nd edition, p. 25). The problem is as follows

1. Homework Statement


whUF6.png


2. Homework Equations

1. The temperature parameter

[tex]\displaystyle{ \beta = \frac{1}{k_B T} } [/tex]
where [itex]k_B[/itex] is Boltzmann's constant

2. The partition function

[tex]Z = \displaystyle{ \sum_{r} e^{-\beta E_{r}} }[/tex]
for the energy of eigenstate r

3. The Boltzmann distribution

[tex]\displaystyle{ p_r = \frac{1}{Z} e^{-\beta E_r} }[/tex]
for the energy of eigenstate r

4. The net magnetic moment

[tex]\displaystyle{ M = \frac{N}{\beta} \left( \frac{\partial ln Z}{\partial B} \right)_{\beta} }[/tex]5. The energy

[tex]E = -M B[/tex]

6. The entropy

[tex]S = k_{B} \ ln \ \Omega[/tex]

7. The Helmholtz free energy

[tex]F = E - TS[/tex]

or

[tex]F = -Nk_B \ ln \ Z[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


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My difficulty arises when trying to deduce [itex]M[/itex] from "a minimum Helmholtz free energy", what exactly does this imply?

EDIT: Alright, can anyone verify this? I decided to take the helmholtz free energy, [itex]F[/itex] as a function of the field [itex]B[/itex] and then derive it with respect to it, and since it's a minimum the derivative must equal zero, also keeping in mind that since the system is in a heat bath the temperature is constant, so

[tex]\frac{dF}{dB} = \frac{dE}{dB} - T \frac{dS}{dB} - S \frac{dT}{dB} = 0 [/tex]

[tex]\frac{dE}{dB} = \frac{d}{dB}(-MB) = T\frac{dS}{dB} [/tex]

By setting the statistical weight of the microstate, [itex]\Omega[/itex], of the crystal with [itex]N[/itex] ions that can be oriented in two ways (parallel and antiparallel) to the applied magnetic field, one finds that the entropy can be written as

[tex]S = k_B N (2 cosh(x) - xtanh(x)) [/tex]

where [itex]x \equiv \left( \frac{\mu B}{k_B T} \right) [/itex], and the former equation becomes

[tex] -M = T\frac{d}{dB} \left( k_B N (2 cosh(x) - xtanh(x)) \right) [/tex]

[tex]M = - N \mu \left(2 tanh(x) + xsech^2(x) \right) [/tex]
 
Last edited:
  • #3
I would resubmit this to the advanced physics forum.
 

Related to Magnetic moment of paramagnetic crystal

1. What is a magnetic moment in a paramagnetic crystal?

A magnetic moment in a paramagnetic crystal is a measure of the strength and direction of the magnetic field associated with the crystal's atomic or molecular structure. It is typically expressed in units of Bohr magnetons (µB) and is a result of the unpaired electrons in the crystal's atoms or molecules.

2. How is the magnetic moment of a paramagnetic crystal determined?

The magnetic moment of a paramagnetic crystal can be determined using various experimental techniques, such as magnetic susceptibility measurements, neutron diffraction, or electron spin resonance. These methods allow for the calculation of the average magnetic moment of the atoms or molecules in the crystal.

3. What factors affect the magnetic moment of a paramagnetic crystal?

The magnetic moment of a paramagnetic crystal is influenced by several factors, including the number of unpaired electrons, the strength of the magnetic field, and the crystal's temperature. Additionally, the crystal's structure, composition, and bonding can also impact its magnetic moment.

4. How does the magnetic moment of a paramagnetic crystal differ from that of a diamagnetic crystal?

A paramagnetic crystal has a nonzero magnetic moment due to the presence of unpaired electrons, while a diamagnetic crystal has a zero magnetic moment as all of its electrons are paired. Additionally, a paramagnetic crystal will align with an external magnetic field, while a diamagnetic crystal will align opposite to the field.

5. What are some real-world applications of the magnetic moment of paramagnetic crystals?

The magnetic moment of paramagnetic crystals is utilized in various fields, such as materials science, geology, and medical diagnostics. It is used in technologies such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic storage devices. Additionally, the properties of paramagnetic crystals are also studied in the development of new materials for use in electronic devices and sensors.

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