Statistical Mechanics Heat Capacity Question?

Posted on 2015-12-08 07:40:00 in Physics by TOMMY BOG

A nanoparticle containing 6 atoms can be modeled approximately as an Einstein solid of 18 independent oscillators. The evenly spaced energy levels of each oscillator are 4e-21 J apart. Use k = 1.4e-23 J/K.

(a) When the nanoparticle's energy is in the range 5(4e-21) J to 6(4e-21) J, what is the approximate temperature? (In order to keep precision for calculating the heat capacity, give the result to the nearest tenth of a degree.)

(b) When the nanoparticle's energy is in the range 8(4e-21) J to 9(4e-21) J, what is the approximate temperature? (In order to keep precision for calculating the heat capacity, give the result to the nearest tenth of a degree.)

(c) When the nanoparticle's energy is in the range 5(4e-21) J to 9(4e-21) J, what is the approximate heat capacity per atom?

Note that between parts (a) and (b) the average energy increased from "5.5 quanta" to "8.5 quanta". As a check, compare your result with the high temperature limit of 3k, where k = 1.4e-23 J/K.

---

Answer Comment

No Answers Posted Yet.