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  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 1999  > October  >
In the Classroom
The Validity of Stirling's Approximation: A Physical Chemistry Project
A. S. Wallner
Department of Chemistry, Missouri Western State College, St. Joseph, MO 64507

K. A. Brandt
Department of Computer Science, Mathematics, and Physics, Missouri Western State College, St. Joseph, MO 64507

Cover
October 1999
Vol. 76 No. 10
p. 1395
Abstract
Often in physical chemistry courses, the direct proof of Stirling's approximation is omitted owing to the complexity of the mathematics involved. We present an accessible proof of this result that requires only an understanding of first-year calculus. We also present an undergraduate project dealing with the validity of Stirling's approximation. This assignment asks students to study the validity of the formula using mathematical tools such as programmable calculators, commercially available computer software such as Derive, and basic computer programming. Examples of students' solutions are provided.
More Information
*  Citation
 Wallner, Anton S.; Brandt, Keith A. J. Chem. Educ. 1999 76 1395.
*  Keywords
 Physical Chemistry; Curriculum; Chemical Education Research; Statistical Mechanics; Teaching/Learning Theory/Practice
*  History
 Created:
Last Updated:		 September 6, 1999
June 23, 2005
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