Module Information

Module Identifier
PH21510
Module Title
THERMAL PHYSICS 1
Academic Year
2011/2012
Co-ordinator
Dr Martin Wilding
Semester
Semester 1
Pre-Requisite
Core Physics Modules at Level 1
Other Staff
 

Course Delivery

Delivery Type Delivery length / details
Lecture 18 lectures
Seminars / Tutorials 2 tutorials
 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Exam 2 Hours   Written Examination  70%
Semester Assessment Course Work: Example Sheets. Deadlines are detailed in the Year 2 Example Sheet Schedule distributed by the Department.  30%
Supplementary Exam 2 Hours   Written Assessment  100%

Learning Outcomes

After taking this module students should be able to:

  • understand the principles of the zeroth, first and second laws of thermodynamics and apply the three laws to solve associated problems
  • explain diffusion, heat conduction and viscosity in terms of transport properties
  • calculate quantities given by kinetic theory e.g. effusion rate, collision frequency etc.
  • explain variations of heat capacity of gases with temperature in terms of population of energy levels
  • identify the principal thermodynamic steps in the operation of heat engines and calculate efficiencies
  • be familiar with the basic concepts of reversibility and entropy.

Brief description

This module aims to build on the introductory thermodynamics course, introducing such ideas as phase changes and phenomena that occur at low temperatures. These are explained from both a macroscopic and a microscopic perspective. The concepts of statistical mechanics are introduced and are use to further investigate the properties of matter.

Content

TTHERMODYNAMICS

1. State variables and equations of state for real gases; van der Waals equation, Maxwell construction Virial equation, Boyle temperature, critical point
2. Thermodynamic potential - internal energy U, enthalpy H, Helmholtz function F and Gibbs function G and their physical significance.
3. The Maxwell relations and derivation of general thermodynamic relations for pure substances.
Phase transitions - first order and higher order transitions.
4. The attainment of absolute zero temperature. Liquefaction of gases (Joule-Kelvin effect)
5. Adiabatic paramagnetic and nuclear demagnetisation
6. The Third Law of Thermodynamics
7. Superfluidity and superconductivity. Conventional superconductors and the BCS theory.

STATISTICAL MECHANICS
1. Assembly of distinguishable particles: Boltzmann distribution, Partition function, link to thermodynamic quantities, examples
2. Assembly of indistinguishable particles (gases): Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein distributions, Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution, examples

Reading List

General Text
C.B.P. Finn Thermal Physics Nelson-Thornes (previously published with Routledge) Primo search Guenault, A. M. (1995 (various p) Statistical physics /Tony Guenault. 2nd ed. Chapman and Hall Primo search Trevena, David Henry. (c2001 (2003 pri) Statistical mechanics :an introduction /D.H. Trevena. Horwood Pub. Primo search Should Be Purchased
P.A. Tipler Physics for Scientists and Engineers W.H. Freeman 1999 Primo search Recommended Text
P.W. Atkins Physical Chemistry Oxford Press Primo search

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 5