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courses:ast301:2 [2024/03/12 12:48] – [3.2 Degeneracy in 3D] asad | courses:ast301:2 [2024/03/15 02:26] (current) – [3.1 Degeneracy in 1D] asad | ||
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MB statistics describes the distribution of speed or momentum of the particles in a gas constrained by three conditions: (i) all speeds in all three dimensions are equally probable, (ii) the total energy is limited and (iii) the total number of particles is limited. Number (i) ensures that the particles have a wide range of speeds and (ii) and (iii) ensure that there is enough variation in the speeds. | MB statistics describes the distribution of speed or momentum of the particles in a gas constrained by three conditions: (i) all speeds in all three dimensions are equally probable, (ii) the total energy is limited and (iii) the total number of particles is limited. Number (i) ensures that the particles have a wide range of speeds and (ii) and (iii) ensure that there is enough variation in the speeds. | ||
- | Consider a gas made of a limited number of particles. P(vx) dvxP(vx) dvx is the probability of finding a particle with speed vxvx in the interval dvxdvx, which can be shown to be | + | Consider a gas made of a limited number of particles. $\mathsf{P}(v_x)\ dv_xistheprobabilityoffindingaparticlewithspeedistheprobabilityoffindingaparticlewithspeedv_xintheintervalintheintervaldv_x$, which can be shown to be |
- | P(vx) dvx=(m2πkT)1/2e−mv2x/(2kT)dvxP(vx) dvx=(m2πkT)1/2e−mv2x/(2kT)dvx | + | $$ \mathsf{P}(v_x)\ dv_x = \left(\frac{m}{2\pi kT}\right)^{1/ |
where mm is the mass of the particle, TT the temperature of the gas and kk Boltzmann constant. | where mm is the mass of the particle, TT the temperature of the gas and kk Boltzmann constant. | ||
==== - Momentum space ==== | ==== - Momentum space ==== | ||
- | Momentum px=mvxpx=mvx and the probability P(px)dpx=P(vx)dvxP(px)dpx=P(vx)dvx. So | + | Momentum px=mvxpx=mvx and the probability $\mathsf{P}(p_x)dp_x=P(v_x)dv_x$. So |
- | P(px) dpx=(12πmkT)1/2e−p2x/(2mkT)dpxP(px) dpx=(12πmkT)1/2e−p2x/(2mkT)dpx | + | $$ \mathsf{P}(p_x)\ dp_x = \left(\frac{1}{2\pi mkT}\right)^{1/ |
which is plotted in the figure (a) below. We can use figure (b) to transform this into three dimensions. | which is plotted in the figure (a) below. We can use figure (b) to transform this into three dimensions. | ||
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- | In three dimensions P(p) d3p=P(px)dpx P(py)dpy P(pz)dpzP(p) d3p=P(px)dpx P(py)dpy P(pz)dpz or | + | In three dimensions $\mathsf{P}(p)\ d^3p = \mathsf{P}(p_x)dp_x\ |
- | P(p) d3p=(12πmkT)3/2exp(−p2x+p2y+p2z2mkT) dpxdpydpzP(p) d3p=(12πmkT)3/2exp(−p2x+p2y+p2z2mkT) dpxdpydpz | + | $$ \mathsf{P}(p)\ d^3p = \left(\frac{1}{2\pi mkT}\right)^{3/ |
which becomes | which becomes | ||
- | P(p) d3p=(12πmkT)3/2exp(−p22mkT) d3pP(p) d3p=(12πmkT)3/2exp(−p22mkT) d3p | + | $$ \mathsf{P}(p)\ d^3p = \left(\frac{1}{2\pi mkT}\right)^{3/ |
- | which is the most used form of **MBD**. The quantity is dimensionless: | + | which is the most used form of **MBD**. The quantity is dimensionless: |
MBD can also be written in terms of energy because E=mv2/2=p2/(2m)E=mv2/2=p2/(2m) which means | MBD can also be written in terms of energy because E=mv2/2=p2/(2m)E=mv2/2=p2/(2m) which means | ||
- | P(p) d3p=(12πmkT)3/2e−E/(kT) d3pP(p) d3p=(12πmkT)3/2e−E/(kT) d3p | + | $$ \mathsf{P}(p)\ d^3p = \left(\frac{1}{2\pi mkT}\right)^{3/ |
- | which means P(p)∝e−E/(kT)P(p)∝e−E/(kT) and the exponential becomes e−1e−1 when E=kTE=kT . This form is also known as **Maxwell-Boltzmann statistics** or MBS. | + | which means $\mathsf{P}(p) \propto e^{-E/ |
Now as shown in figure (c), for a spherical shell in isotropic momentum space d3p=4πp2 dpd3p=4πp2 dp and, hence, the probability of finding a particle in a thin shell of thickness dpdp at a radius pp | Now as shown in figure (c), for a spherical shell in isotropic momentum space d3p=4πp2 dpd3p=4πp2 dp and, hence, the probability of finding a particle in a thin shell of thickness dpdp at a radius pp | ||
- | P(p) dp=(12πmkT)3/2exp(−p22mkT)4πp2 dpP(p) dp=(12πmkT)3/2exp(−p22mkT)4πp2 dp | + | $$ \mathsf{P}(p)\ dp = \left(\frac{1}{2\pi mkT}\right)^{3/ |
- | which is more convenient because here the function is in 1D even though it is capable of describing a 3D gas. As in any probability, | + | which is more convenient because here the function is in 1D even though it is capable of describing a 3D gas. As in any probability, |
We see that the function goes to zero at p=0p=0 because of the 4πp24πp2 term. At high momenta, E>kTE>kT, and the function again goes to zero because the exponential overcomes the 4πp24πp2 term. So, unlike before, the maximum probability is not found at p=0p=0. Also the T−3/2T−3/2 term ensures that the higher temperature curve has a lower amplitude. | We see that the function goes to zero at p=0p=0 because of the 4πp24πp2 term. At high momenta, E>kTE>kT, and the function again goes to zero because the exponential overcomes the 4πp24πp2 term. So, unlike before, the maximum probability is not found at p=0p=0. Also the T−3/2T−3/2 term ensures that the higher temperature curve has a lower amplitude. | ||
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If NN particles are distributed uniformly in volume VV, then there position is described by (x,y,z)(x,y,z) in physical space (figure a), and their momentum is described by (px,py,pz)(px,py,pz) in momentum space (figure b). The number density of particles n=N/Vn=N/V and hence, the phase space distribution function | If NN particles are distributed uniformly in volume VV, then there position is described by (x,y,z)(x,y,z) in physical space (figure a), and their momentum is described by (px,py,pz)(px,py,pz) in momentum space (figure b). The number density of particles n=N/Vn=N/V and hence, the phase space distribution function | ||
- | $$ f_{MB} = nP(p) = \frac{N}{V} \left(\frac{1}{2\pi mkT}\right)^{3/ | + | $$ f_{MB} = n\mathsf{P}(p) = \frac{N}{V} \left(\frac{1}{2\pi mkT}\right)^{3/ |
where fMBfMB has the units m−3−3 (Ns)−3−3, | where fMBfMB has the units m−3−3 (Ns)−3−3, | ||
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===== - Ideal gas ===== | ===== - Ideal gas ===== | ||
- | Now we can derive the **equation of state (EOS)** of an ideal gas where the particles follow MB statistics. The EOS is the pressure $\mathcal{P}(\rho,T)asafunctionofdensityasafunctionofdensity\rhoandtemperatureandtemperatureT$. | + | Now we can derive the **equation of state (EOS)** of an ideal gas where the particles follow MB statistics. The EOS is the pressure P(ρ,T)P(ρ,T) as a function of density ρρ and temperature TT. |
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So +2mv+2mv amount of momentum is transferred to the wall due to the collision. Force is the rate of change of momentum and pressure is the force per unit area of the wall. So the total pressure transferred to the wall due a total of NN particles | So +2mv+2mv amount of momentum is transferred to the wall due to the collision. Force is the rate of change of momentum and pressure is the force per unit area of the wall. So the total pressure transferred to the wall due a total of N particles | ||
- | $$ \mathcal{P} = N\frac{\Delta p}{\Delta t} \frac{1}{\Delta A} $$ | + | P=NΔpΔt1ΔA |
where N=V(n/6) and n is the number of particles per unit volume V=vΔtΔA. The factor 6 arises because there are six walls in the box containing the cylinder and only one-sixth of the particles hit a particular wall that we are considering. So | where N=V(n/6) and n is the number of particles per unit volume V=vΔtΔA. The factor 6 arises because there are six walls in the box containing the cylinder and only one-sixth of the particles hit a particular wall that we are considering. So | ||
- | $$ \mathcal{P} = \frac{nv}{6} 2mv = \frac{nmv^2}{3} = \frac{2}{3} n \frac{1}{2} mv^2 = \frac{2}{3} n E $$ | + | P=nv62mv=nmv23=23n12mv2=23nE |
where E is the kinetic energy. So total pressure is proportional to the //kinetic energy density// nE. This is true if all the particles have the same mass and speed. However, if the particles have a distribution speeds, the general form of the pressure would be | where E is the kinetic energy. So total pressure is proportional to the //kinetic energy density// nE. This is true if all the particles have the same mass and speed. However, if the particles have a distribution speeds, the general form of the pressure would be | ||
- | $$ \mathcal{P} = \frac{2}{3} n E_{av}. $$ | + | P=23nEav. |
Pressure and kinetic energy density even have the same units. Note that pressure is a **tensor** because it requires taking into account two vectors: the flow of particles and the normal force resulting from the bounce of the particles on a wall. But for an isotropic gas in equilibrium, | Pressure and kinetic energy density even have the same units. Note that pressure is a **tensor** because it requires taking into account two vectors: the flow of particles and the normal force resulting from the bounce of the particles on a wall. But for an isotropic gas in equilibrium, | ||
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For stars, the Equation of State (**EOS**) for the gas inside a star is found by substituting Eav in the equation of pressure: | For stars, the Equation of State (**EOS**) for the gas inside a star is found by substituting Eav in the equation of pressure: | ||
- | $$ \mathcal{P} = nkT = \frac{\rho}{m_{av}} kT $$ | + | P=nkT=ρmavkT |
- | where the average mass mav=mp/2 for a hydrogen plasma. This is the preferred form of the **ideal gas law**. The more familiar form $\mathcal{P}V=\mathsf{n}RTresultsfromn=\mathsf{n}N_0/ | + | where the average mass mav=mp/2 for a hydrogen plasma. This is the preferred form of the **ideal gas law**. The more familiar form $PV=\mathsf{n}RTresultsfromn=\mathsf{n}N_0/ |
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To explain degeneracy, consider a gas of 37 electrons occupying the states shown in the 1D phase-space diagram of Fig. (a) following MBS. They are not degenerate. Most of them are occupying the lowest states as dictated by 1D MBD. The momentum at which kientic energy is equal to Eav=kT/2 is indicated using a dashed line. | To explain degeneracy, consider a gas of 37 electrons occupying the states shown in the 1D phase-space diagram of Fig. (a) following MBS. They are not degenerate. Most of them are occupying the lowest states as dictated by 1D MBD. The momentum at which kientic energy is equal to Eav=kT/2 is indicated using a dashed line. | ||
- | If this gas loses energy and cools down, the electrons will lose energy and settle down at the bottom of the diagram as in Fig. (c). All the low states are completely filled. Many of the electrons thus have a higher energy than they would normally have at this low temperature. This unusually higher energy creates the degeneracy pressure. The momentum at the upper end of the FDD is called the Fermi momentum pF. The FD distribution P(px) looks almost rectangular, | + | If this gas loses energy and cools down, the electrons will lose energy and settle down at the bottom of the diagram as in Fig. (C). All the low states are completely filled. Many of the electrons thus have a higher energy than they would normally have at this low temperature. This unusually higher energy creates the degeneracy pressure. The momentum at the upper end of the FDD is called the Fermi momentum pF. The FD distribution $\mathsf{P}(p_x)looksalmostrectangular,therearealmostnoelectronswithp>p_F$. |
We can make a gas degenerate by squeezing it (decreasing ΔX) instead of cooling, i. e. by moving from Fig. (a) to (b). Moving from (b) to (d) we see that the electrons remain almost in the same states. That means in a completely degenerate gas, the pressure becomes independent of temperature. | We can make a gas degenerate by squeezing it (decreasing ΔX) instead of cooling, i. e. by moving from Fig. (a) to (b). Moving from (b) to (d) we see that the electrons remain almost in the same states. That means in a completely degenerate gas, the pressure becomes independent of temperature. | ||
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which is plotted in Fig. (b) above. Note that at zero temperature the factor (E−EF)/(kT) changes from −∞ suddenly to +∞ at E=EF and, hence, the Fermi function changes from unity to zero. | which is plotted in Fig. (b) above. Note that at zero temperature the factor (E−EF)/(kT) changes from −∞ suddenly to +∞ at E=EF and, hence, the Fermi function changes from unity to zero. | ||
- | [[https://colab.research.google.com/drive/1AbxdNJUXCUawEuT_nuVNPR_qoBSmRuRT# | + | < |
In Fig. (C), the Fermi function is plotted for two more temperatures T1 and T2. As temperature increases, more particles become available at higher energies. For T>0, the function becomes 1/2 at E=EF because the exponential becomes unity (e0=1). | In Fig. (C), the Fermi function is plotted for two more temperatures T1 and T2. As temperature increases, more particles become available at higher energies. For T>0, the function becomes 1/2 at E=EF because the exponential becomes unity (e0=1). | ||
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In a degenerate gas, the protons and the nuclei are responsible for the inward gravitational pull and the electrons are almost totally responsible for the outward pressure that balances gravity. This is because pressure | In a degenerate gas, the protons and the nuclei are responsible for the inward gravitational pull and the electrons are almost totally responsible for the outward pressure that balances gravity. This is because pressure | ||
- | $$ \mathcal{P} \approx nE_{av} $$ | + | P≈nEav |
and the kinetic energy of degenerate electrons are much higher than their normal average. In non-degenerate matter, the average kinetic energy of electrons and protons are equal dictated by the equipartition of energy. | and the kinetic energy of degenerate electrons are much higher than their normal average. In non-degenerate matter, the average kinetic energy of electrons and protons are equal dictated by the equipartition of energy. | ||
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meaning the pressure is proportional to ρ4/3 and it does not depend on the temperature. | meaning the pressure is proportional to ρ4/3 and it does not depend on the temperature. | ||
- | When the electrons inside a white dwarf reach relativistic speeds, the pressure varies //softly// with density and cannot be high enough to sustain the dead star against gravity leading to a gravitational collapse. This can occur when the mass of a white dwarf approaches the Chandrasekhar limit of ∼1.4 M⊙. | + | When the electrons inside a white dwarf reach relativistic speeds, the pressure varies //softly// with density and cannot be high enough to sustain the dead star against gravity leading to a gravitational collapse. This can occur when the mass of a white dwarf approaches the [[uv:Chandrasekhar]] limit of ∼1.4 M⊙. |
===== - Summary of the EOS ===== | ===== - Summary of the EOS ===== | ||
We have discussed three different EOS for non-degenerate gas following MBS and the relativistic and nonrelativistic degenerate gas following FDS. Photons follow a different statistics, the **Bose-Einstein Statistics** (BES) and we will see in a later chapter that in that case the EOS is P=aT4/3, meaning the pressure depends only on temperature. | We have discussed three different EOS for non-degenerate gas following MBS and the relativistic and nonrelativistic degenerate gas following FDS. Photons follow a different statistics, the **Bose-Einstein Statistics** (BES) and we will see in a later chapter that in that case the EOS is P=aT4/3, meaning the pressure depends only on temperature. |
courses/ast301/2.1710269314.txt.gz · Last modified: 2024/03/12 12:48 by asad