Blundell Thermal Physics · Problem 21.6

Statistical mechanics of an ideal gas

Physics — Statistical Mechanics · partition-function-hydrogen-atoms

Problem

Show that the single–particle partition function

Z_1

of a gas of hydrogen atoms is given approximately by

Z_1 = \frac{V e^{\beta R}}{\lambda_{\rm th}^3}, \tag{21.50}

where

R = 13.6\,\mathrm{eV}

and the contribution due to excited states has been neglected.