Section 2 Introduction to Statistical Mechanics（第二部分介绍统计力学）.pdfVIP

Section 2 Introduction to Statistical Mechanics 2.1 Introducing entropy 2.1.1 Boltzmann’s formula A very important thermodynamic concept is that of entropy S. Entropy is a function of state, like the internal energy. It measures the relative degree of order (as opposed to disorder) of the system when in this state. An understanding of the meaning of entropy thus requires some appreciation of the way systems can be described microscopically. This connection between thermodynamics and statistical mechanics is enshrined in the formula due to Boltzmann and Planck: S = k ln Ω where Ω is the number of microstates accessible to the system (the meaning of that phrase to be explained). We will first try to explain what a microstate is and how we count them. This leads to a statement of the second law of thermodynamics, which as we shall see has to do with maximising the entropy of an isolated system. As a thermodynamic function of state, entropy is easy to understand. Entropy changes of a system are intimately connected with heat flow into it. In an infinitesimal reversible process dQ = TdS ; the heat flowing into the system is the product of the increment in entropy and the temperature. Thus while heat is not a function of state entropy is. 2.2 The spin 1/2 paramagnet as a model system Here we introduce the concepts of microstate, distribution, average distribution and the relationship to entropy using a model system. This treatment is intended to complement that of Guenault (chapter 1) which is very clear and which you must read. We choose as our main example a system that is very simple: one in which each particle has only two available quantum states. We use it to illustrate many of the principles of statistical mechanics. (Precisely the same arguments apply when considering the number of atoms in two halves of a box.) 2.2.1 Quantum states of a spin 1/2 paramagnet A spin S = 1