Multiplicity function for N noninteracting spins

Concept in thermodynamics

The multiplicity function for a two state paramagnet, W(n,N), is the number of spin states such that n of the N spins point in the z-direction. This function is given by the combinatoric function C(N,n). That is:

W ( n , N ) = ( N n ) = N ! n ! ( N − n ) ! {\displaystyle W(n,N)={N \choose n}={{N!} \over {n!(N-n)!}}}

It is primarily used in introductory statistical mechanics and thermodynamics textbooks to explain the microscopic definition of entropy to students. If the spins are non-interacting, then the multiplicity function counts the number of states which have the same energy in an external magnetic field. By definition, the entropy S is then given by the natural logarithm of this number:

S = k ln ⁡ W {\displaystyle S=k\ln {W}\,} [1] Where k is the Boltzmann constant

References

  1. ^ Schroeder, Daniel V.. An Introduction to Thermal Dynamics. San Francisco: Addison Wesley Longman 2002.


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