Physics 6500: Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics

Fall 2001

Lecturer:	Boris Nadgorny (PRB289), 313-577-2757.
Office Hours:	Tu,Th 1:45 - 2:45 pm or by appointment.
Texts:	Sears and Salinger - Thermodynamics, Kinetic Theory and Statistical Thermodynamics Schroeder - An Introduction to Thermal Physics
References:	Fermi - Thermodynamics Callen - Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics Kittel and Kroemer - Thermal Physics Zemansky and Dittman - Heat and Thermodynamics
Course Description:	PHY 6500 course is devoted to the study of systems made of a large number of particles, an area of thermal physics and statistical mechanics, which governs transformations of heat into mechanical work, phase transitions, properties of gases and solids, and many other fundamental phenomena. Statistical physics is one of a few indispensable subjects widely used in chemistry, biology, geology, meteorology, environmental science, cosmology, low-temperature physics, solid state physics, atomic physics, and engineering (heat engines, vacuum technology, electronic devices, etc). Therefore, thorough knowledge of statistical mechanics is of utmost importance to the aspiring scientist or engineer.
Course Objectives:	The principal objectives of this introductory course are for you to learn fundamental concepts of thermodynamics and statistical physics and to develop the problem-solving skills to apply these fundamentals. Since professional scientists and engineers must be proficient problem solvers, and it is impossible to really understand any area of physics without solving problems, homework assignments are an integral part of this course. Sufficient knowledge of calculus of many variables is required.
Homework:	Homework will be assigned weekly on the first class of the week and are due in a week. It is acceptable (and can be very useful) to discuss homework problems with each other and compare different possible solutions. However, copied homework will not be credited. Late homework will generally not be accepted.
Bonus Problems:	Bonus problems (typically qualitative problems) will be given to students in class. Students will be able to discuss them with each other and ask the lecturer additional questions. By the end of the class students will have to answer the question based on their assessment of the arguments.
Grades:	First Exam 20% Midterm 20% Final Exam 35% Homework 25% Bonus Problems 10% Total 110% Each component of the grade will earn a numerical score from 0 to 100. The guidelines for interpreting the total scores are as follows: A 85 - 100 C 61 - 66 AB 79 - 84 CD 54 - 60 B 73 - 78 D 46 - 53 BC 67 - 72 E 0 - 45
Course Outline:	Part I - Thermodynamics Thermodynamics systems, intensive and extensive variables, pressure, thermal equilibrium, temperature. The Zeroth Law of thermodynamics and it its implications. Temperature scales. Thermometers. Equation of state of an ideal gas. P-V-T surfaces for ideal gas. Partial derivatives. Equations of state. Equation of state of real gas (van der Waals’ equation) and some sample systems. The First Law of thermodynamics and its applications Heat Capacity Entropy and The Second Law of Thermodynamics The Carnot Cycle; Thermodynamic Temperature Combined First and Second Laws Joule-Thompson Process Thermodynamics Potentials, Helmholtz Function and The Gibbs Function The Maxwell Relations Phase transitions The Clausius-Clapeyron equation The Third Law Chemical Potential Surface tension Part II – Statistical Mechanics Fundamental Concepts Ensembles Non-interacting oscillators Multiplicity Energy States and Energy levels Partition Functions Connection to thermodynamics Properties of Ideal and Non-Ideal Gases Fluctuations Introduction into quantum statistics