An Introduction to Thermal Physics · Problem 6.44

Boltzmann Statistics — Daniel Schroeder

Physics — Statistical Mechanics · helmholtz-free-energy-indistinguishable-particles

Problem

Consider a large system of NN indistinguishable, noninteracting molecules (perhaps in an ideal gas or a dilute solution). Find an expression for the Helmholtz free energy of this system, in terms of Z1Z_1, the partition function for a single molecule. (Use Stirling's approximation to eliminate the N!N!.) Then use your result to find the chemical potential, again in terms of Z1Z_1.

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