Module Code - Title:
PH4042
-
THERMAL PHYSICS
Year Last Offered:
2023/4
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
PH4131
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
The purpose of this module is to enhance students' understanding of key concepts and models associated with thermal physics. The objectives are to first present a general thermodynamics framework, then to introduce statistical concepts followed by analysis of specific physical models.
Syllabus:
Temperature: thermal equilibrium; the zeroth law; equations of state; temperature scales. [First law of thermodynamics]: internal energy; heat and heat capacity; reversible processes and work; free expansion and Joule's law. [Second law of thermodynamics]: Carnot cycles, efficiency; thermodynamic temperature scale. [Entropy]: Clausius inequality and entropy; principle of increasing entropy; central equation of thermodynamics; entropy of an ideal gas. [Thermodynamic potentials and Maxwell relations]: internal energy U; enthalpy H; Helmholtz free energy F; Gibbs free energy G; energy equations; availability A and useful work; mechanical, magnetic & electrolytic systems. [Change of phase]: chemical potential; Clausius-Clapeyron equation; nucleation; Gibbs phase rule.
[Microstates and macrostates]: statistical weight of a macrostate; Boltzmann definition of entropy; entropy and disorder. [Equilibrium of an isolated system]: magnetic dipole lattice; Schottky defects. [Equilibrium of a system in a heat bath]: the partition function and the Boltzmann distribution; equivalence of thermodynamic and statistical quantities; the classical gas; heat capacities of solids; perfect quantal gas; Planck's law; thermodynamics of black body radiation. [Equilibrium of a system with variable particle number]: Gibbs distribution; Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein distributions; Bose-Einstein condensation; Fermi energy; density of states; electrons in metals.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
- Define key concepts including temperature, entropy, state function, partition function.
- State and apply the laws of thermodynamics.
- Calculate entropy in simple cases which include the ideal gas and a defect containing crystal.
- Solve problems from information given involving the use of the central equation of thermodynamics, thermodynamic potentials and Maxwell's relations.
- Derive from first principles, and apply the Boltzmann and the Gibbs distributions for systems in equilibrium in a heat bath.
- Define and apply the Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein distributions.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
- Integrate the concepts of entropy and energy to the analysis and properties of real physical systems.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
- Skillfully perform experiments and record and present data.
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
Students will learn via interactive lecture, laboratory, experiential tutorial and problem based private study.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Finn, C.B.P. (1993)
Thermal Physics
, Chapman and Hall
Mandl, F. (1988)
Statistical Physics
, Wiley
Other Relevant Texts:
M T Laugier (2008)
Thermal Physics
, unpublished notes
Schroeder, D. V. (2004)
An Introduction to Thermal Physics
, Pearson Education
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester - Year to be First Offered:
Spring
-
09/10
Module Leader:
Ian.Clancy@ul.ie