Module description
This module aims to study the properties of materials that are affected by temperature. Thermal physics is considered from both macroscopic and microscopic levels. The former approach which looks at the behaviour of matter in bulk is known as thermodynamics, a branch of physics that developed rapidly during the last century in connection with steam engines of the new industries. For the microscopic approach the properties of materials are considered at the atomic level, with the kinetic theory of gases being taken as an example. The statistical nature of the distribution of energy among the energy levels is explained to set the scene for the subsequent Statistical Mechanics course.

Module objectives / 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 and reactivity of gases with temperature in terms of population of energy levels

Outline syllabus
LAWS OF THERMODYNAMICS

Zeroth law of thermodynamics: thermal equilibrium, temperature and temperature scales
First law of thermodynamics: heat, work and internal energy
Second law of thermodynamics - Kelvin Planck and Clausius statements: Heat engines, refrigerators and heat pumps, Carnot cycle and Carnot's theorum, thermodynamic temperature scale, introduction to entropy.

TRANSPORT PHENOMENA

Diffusion, heat conduction and viscosity

KINETIC THEORY OF GASES

Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution of molecular speeds: r.m.s. speed, mean speed, most probable speed
Transport properties of gases from a microscopic standpoint: effusion, diffusion, thermal conductivity, viscosity
Temperature and the population of energy levels