Statistical Mechanics: Can't Find Source of Equation

In summary, the first three bullet points after the expression for E(T=0) come from the bottom of page 58, where the expression for the Fermi energy is derived. The third bullet point is related to the definition of the Boltzmann constant and the Fermi temperature.
  • #1
latentcorpse
1,444
0
http://www.ph.ed.ac.uk/~pmonthou/Statistical-Mechanics/documents/SM15.pdf

At the top of page 59 in the above link, I can't see where the first three bullet points that follow

[itex]E(T=0)=\int_0^{\epsilon_f} g(\epsilon) d \epsilon[/itex]

come from?

can anyone help?
 
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  • #2
The first and second bullet point follow from the bottom of page 58. Study the expression for [itex]\epsilon_f[/itex] and see how it depends on [itex]m[/itex] and [itex]N / V[/itex].

The third bullet point follow from the definition of [itex]k_B[/itex] in a way. [itex]k_B[/itex] relates energy to temperature, so the Fermi temperature associated with the energy of the electrons at the Fermi level is just [itex]T_f = \epsilon_f / k_B[/itex].

See
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fermi_temperature#Fermi_level
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boltzmann_constant
 
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Related to Statistical Mechanics: Can't Find Source of Equation

1. What is statistical mechanics?

Statistical mechanics is a branch of physics that uses statistical methods to explain and predict the behavior of large systems of particles, such as gases, liquids, and solids.

2. How is statistical mechanics related to thermodynamics?

Statistical mechanics provides a microscopic understanding of the macroscopic behavior of a system, which is the focus of thermodynamics. It explains the thermodynamic properties of a system in terms of the statistical behavior of its individual particles.

3. What is the Boltzmann distribution?

The Boltzmann distribution is a probability distribution that describes the distribution of particles in a system at thermal equilibrium. It is derived from statistical mechanics and is used to calculate the average energy and other thermodynamic properties of a system.

4. What is the source of the equation in statistical mechanics?

The equations used in statistical mechanics are derived from fundamental principles of classical and quantum mechanics. They are based on the laws of thermodynamics and the behavior of particles at the microscopic level.

5. How is statistical mechanics used in real-world applications?

Statistical mechanics is used in a wide range of fields, including physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering. It is used to understand and predict the behavior of materials, chemical reactions, and physical processes, and is essential in the development of new technologies and materials.

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