PH 399: Thermal Physics
Spring 2007
ÒOne
should not imagine two gases in a 0.1 liter container, initially unmixed, will
mix, then again after a few days separate, then mix again, and so forth. On
the contrary, one finds É that not until a time enormously long compared to 
years will there be any noticeable
unmixing of the gases. One may recognize that this is practically equivalent
to neverÉ.Ó
-L. Boltzmann
ÒThe laws of thermodynamics may easily be obtained from the principles of statistical mechanics, of which they are the incomplete expression.Ó
-Gibbs
Thermodynamics and statistical mechanics are important elements in physics and astronomy. The methods used are powerful, and the results have broad applications. In fact, thermal physics may be the most widely used theory in science and engineering.
Texts: Thermal Physics by Ralph Baierlein
Goals:
At the end of the course, the students should be comfortable and moderately proficient with:
á The second law of thermodynamics and entropy
á The canonical probability distribution
á The partition function
á The chemical potential
Tentative Schedule:
Background Chapter 1 Week 1
The 2nd Law of Thermodynamics Chapter 2 Weeks 1-2
Entropy and Efficiency Chapter 3 Week 3
Entropy in Quantum Theory Chapter 4 Week 4
Canonical Probability Distribution Chapter 5 Weeks 4-5
Exam #1 Feb. 12
Photons Chapter 6 Week 6
The Classical Limit Chapter 13 Week 7
The Chemical Potential Chapter 7 Week 8
The Quantum Ideal Gas Chapter 8 Week 9
The Free Energies Chapter 10 Week 10
Exam #2 Mar. 28
Chemical Equilibrium Chapter 11 Weeks 11-12
Extra topics as time allowsÉ.
Final Exam Thursday, April 26 @ 1pm
The academic honesty policy as stated in the college catalog will apply to this course.
If you need any accommodations because of a disability, please let me know as soon as possible.
Grading:
|
Problem Sets |
30% |
|
Exams (2) |
40% |
|
Final Exam |
30% |
The exams will be on: February 12th, and March 28th
The final exam will be comprehensive, and will be: Thursday, April 26th from 1-4pm
Instructor: Dr. Steve Cederbloom Bracy 149 823-3175 cederbse@muc.edu