The relationship between elastic properties and heat capacity

The relationship between elastic properties and heat capacity 

Both the Einstein and Debye theories show a clear relationship between apparently unrelated properties heat capacity and elastic properties. The Einstein temperature for copper is 244 K and corresponds to a vibrational frequency of 32 THz. Assuming that the elastic properties are due to the sum of the forces acting between two atoms this frequency can be calculated from the Young s modulus of copper, E = 13 x 1010 N m-2. The force constant K is obtained by dividing E by the number of atoms in a plane per m2 and by the distance between two neighbouring planes of atoms. K thus obtained is 14.4 N m-1 and the Einstein frequency, obtained using the mass of a copper atom into account, 18 THz, is in reasonable agreement with that deduced from the calorimetric Einstein temperature. 

Even better agreement is observed between calorimetric and elastic Debye temperatures. The Debye temperature is based on a continuum model for long wavelengths, and hence the discrete nature of the atoms is neglected. The wave velocity is constant and the Debye temperature can be expressed through the average speed of sound in longitudinal and transverse directions (parallel and normal to the wave vector). Calorimetric and elastic Debye temperatures are compared in Table 8.3 for some selected elements and compounds. 

In general, Cv is obtained from Cp by taking the isobaric expansivity and isothermal compressibility of the crystal into consideration  

The thermal expansivity of a solid is in general low at low temperatures and the anharmonic contribution to the heat capacity is therefore small in this temperature region and Cv m Cpm. At high temperatures the difference between the heat capacity at constant pressure and at constant volume must be taken into consideration. 

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