Entropy of ensemble of two level systems

In summary, the fundamental equation of a system of \tidle{N} atoms in two atomic states with energies e_u and e_d can be represented in entropy form as S = NR \log \left (\frac{1+Y^{e_d/e_u}}{Y^Y} \right) where Y= \frac{U-\tilde{N}e_u}{\tilde{N}e_d-U} and \beta = 1/k_BT is the inverse temperature.
  • #1
Dazed&Confused
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3

Homework Statement


The fundamental equation of a system of [itex]\tidle{N}[/itex] atoms each of which can exist an atomic state with energy [itex]e_u[/itex] or in atomic state [itex]e_d[/itex] (and in no other state) is
[tex]
F= - \tilde{N} k_B T \log ( e^{-\beta e_u} + e^{-\beta e_d} )
[/tex]
Here [itex]k_B[/itex] is Boltzmann's constant [itex]\beta = 1/k_BT[/itex]. Show that the fundamental equation of this system, in entropy representation, is
[tex]
S = NR \log \left (\frac{1+Y^{e_d/e_u}}{Y^Y} \right)
[/tex]
where
[tex]
Y= \frac{U-\tilde{N}e_u}{\tilde{N}e_d-U}
[/tex]

Hint: introduce [itex] \beta =1/k_BT[/itex] and show that [itex]U = F + \beta \partial F / \partial \beta = \partial ( \beta F) /\partial \beta [/itex]. Also, for definiteness, assume [itex] e_u < e_d[/itex] and note that [itex]\tilde{N}k_B = NR[/itex].

Homework Equations


[tex]
S = -\partial F / \partial T = -(\partial F /\partial \beta )(\partial \beta /\partial T) = (\partial F / \partial \beta)( \beta /T)
[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


I showed the hint but will not write out the solution here. Then we have
[tex]
U = \partial ( \beta F) /\partial \beta = \tilde{N} \frac{e_u e^{-\beta e_u} + e_d e^{-\beta e_d}}{ e^{-\beta e_u} + e^{-\beta e_d}}[/tex]
from which I get [itex]
e^{\beta( e_u - e_d)} = Y [/itex].

Also,
[tex]
S = \tilde{N}k_B \log ( e^{-\beta e_u} + e^{-\beta e_d} ) +\tilde{N} \beta k_B \frac{e_u e^{-\beta e_u} + e_d e^{-\beta e_d}}{ e^{-\beta e_u} + e^{-\beta e_d}}
[/tex]
which I rewrote as
[tex]
NR\log (1+Y) - NR\beta e_u + NR \beta \frac{e_u +e_d Y}{1+Y} = NR \log (1+Y)+ NR \beta \frac{Y(e_d-e_u)}{1+Y} = NR \log (1+Y) - NR \frac{Y}{Y+1} \log Y = NR \log \left ( \frac{1+Y}{Y^{Y/Y+1}} \right)
[/tex]
which is not (at least obviously) the same, but I cannot see my mistake. Help would be appreciated.
 
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  • #2


It looks like you have made a mistake in your calculation of U. The correct expression for U is:

U = \tilde{N} \frac{e_u e^{-\beta e_u} + e_d e^{-\beta e_d}}{ e^{-\beta e_u} + e^{-\beta e_d}} = e_u + e_d Y

Plugging this into the expression for S, we get:

S = NR\log (1+Y) - NR\beta e_u + NR \beta \frac{e_u +e_d Y}{1+Y} = NR \log (1+Y)+ NR \beta \frac{e_d Y}{1+Y} = NR \log \left ( \frac{1+Y}{Y^{Y/Y+1}} \right)

which matches the expected result.
 

FAQ: Entropy of ensemble of two level systems

1. What is the definition of entropy in the context of an ensemble of two level systems?

The entropy of an ensemble of two level systems is a measure of the disorder or randomness within the system. It quantifies the number of possible arrangements or states that the system can be in, and the likelihood of each state occurring.

2. How is the entropy of an ensemble of two level systems calculated?

The entropy of an ensemble of two level systems is calculated using the Boltzmann formula: S = kB ln W, where S is the entropy, kB is the Boltzmann constant, and W is the number of microstates or possible arrangements of the system.

3. What is the relationship between entropy and the number of microstates in an ensemble of two level systems?

Entropy is directly proportional to the number of microstates in an ensemble of two level systems. As the number of microstates increases, the entropy also increases, indicating a higher degree of disorder or randomness within the system.

4. How does the concept of entropy relate to the second law of thermodynamics?

The second law of thermodynamics states that the total entropy of a closed system can never decrease over time. In the context of an ensemble of two level systems, this means that the system will tend towards a state with the highest possible entropy, or the most disordered state.

5. Can the entropy of an ensemble of two level systems ever reach zero?

No, the entropy of an ensemble of two level systems can never reach zero. This is because even in the most ordered state, there is still some degree of randomness or disorder present, and therefore the system will always have some entropy.

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