PH3012
Thermal and Statistical Physics
2023-2024
15
7
SCQF level 9
2
Academic year(s): 2023-2024
SCOTCAT credits : 15
ECTS credits : 7
Level : SCQF level 9
Semester: 2
The aim of this module is to cover at honours level the principles and most important applications of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. The syllabus includes: equilibrium; the equation of state; the classical perfect gas; discussion of experimental results that lead to the three laws of thermodynamics; idealised reversible engines; the Clausius inequality; the classical concept of entropy and its connection to equilibrium; thermodynamic potentials; Maxwell's relations; open systems and the chemical potential; phase transitions and the Clausius-Clapeyron equation for first order transitions; higher order phase transitions; the connection between statistical physics and thermodynamics; the Boltzmann form for the entropy; microstates and macrostates; the statistics of distinguishable particles; the Boltzmann distribution; the partition function; statistical definition of the entropy and Helmholtz free energy; statistical mechanics of two-level systems; energy levels and degeneracy; quantum statistics: Bose-Einstein and Fermi-Dirac distributions; density of states; black-body radiation; Bose-Einstein condensation; Fermi energy; quantum gases and the classical limit; Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution; equipartition of energy; negative temperatures.
Pre-requisite(s): Before taking this module you must pass 4 modules from {PH2011, PH2012, MT2501, MT2503} and ( pass at least 1 module from {PH3081, PH3082} or pass 2 modules from {MT2506, MT2507} )
Weekly contact: 3 lectures and fortnightly tutorials
Scheduled learning hours: 37
Guided independent study hours: 113
As used by St Andrews: 2-hour Written Examination = 80%, Coursework = 20%
As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 80%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 20%
Re-assessment: Oral Re-assessment, capped at grade 7
Module coordinator: Dr A W Rost
To be confirmed