Physics and astronomy
Thermal and Statistical Physics
Module code: F3224
Level 5
15 credits in spring semester
Teaching method: Class, Lecture
Assessment modes: Unseen examination, Coursework
Topics covered include:
- review of kinetic theory of gases and first law of thermodynamics
- basics of statistical mechanics. Microstates, entropy, second law
- classical thermodynamics. Engines and refrigerators
- more statistical mechanics. Maxwell-Boltzmann, Bose-Einstein and Fermi-Dirac distributions
- blackbody radiation
- elements of phase transitions.
Pre-requisite
Pre-requisites:
Level 4: (F3201) Maths Methods 1 ; (F3202) Maths Methods 2 [T2] ; (F3240) Classical Physics [T2].
Level 5: (F3205) Maths Methods 3 [T1].
Co-requisites:
Level 5: (F3239) Quantum Mechanics 1 [T2].
Module learning outcomes
- State the laws of classical thermodynamics, and apply them to simple problems.
- Define some of the tools of statistical mechanics, and apply them to simple systems.