Physics:Multiplicity function for N noninteracting spins

Short description: 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:

[math]\displaystyle{ W (n,N) = {N \choose n} = {{N!} \over {n!(N - n)!}} }[/math]

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:

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