Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge / 2010 / ii / Paper 3 / 35C (Statistical Physics)

The one-particle partition function isThe classical indistinguishable noninteracting gas has $Z_N=Z_1^N/N!$; for labeled particles omit $N!$, which changes none of the requested derivatives. With $\beta =(k_{B}T{)}^{-1}$,The allowed equation of state gives $PV=N{k}_{B}T$, so the enthalpy is $E+PV=5N{k}_{B}T/2$ and $\boxed{C_P=5N{k}_B/2}$, at fixed particle number.

Let ${\alpha }_V=V^{-1}(\partial V/\partial T{)}_P$. The Maxwell relations giveSetting $dS=0$ gives $(\partial T/\partial P{)}_S=TV{\alpha }_V/C_P$, hence ${\kappa }_S={\kappa }_T-TV{\alpha }_V^2/C_P$. Also $dS=(C_V/T)dT+(\partial P/\partial T{)}_{V}dV$, and the volume differential gives $(\partial P/\partial T{)}_V={\alpha }_V/{\kappa }_T$. Evaluating along constant pressure therefore yields $C_P-C_V=TV{\alpha }_V^2/{\kappa }_T$. Eliminate ${\alpha }_V$ to obtainThese derivatives are taken at fixed particle number, in a thermodynamically regular stable phase.

For the ideal gas, $V=N{k}_{B}T/P$ gives ${\kappa }_T=1/P$. With $C_P/C_V=5/3$, the relation in part (ii) gives