Description

Description.

This module builds upon PHY2023 the Thermal Physics module taken by students at Stage 2. It emphasises four aspects of statistical physics by applying them to a number of physical systems in equilibrium. Firstly, it is shown that a knowledge of the thermodynamic state depends upon an enumeration of the accessible quantum states of a physical system; secondly, that statistical quantities such as the partition function can be found directly from these states; thirdly, that thermodynamic observables can be related to the partition function, and fourthly, that the theoretical results relate to experimental observations.

This is a Physics Core module taken at a study-abroad host institutions. The module(s) at the host institution that contribute to this module must be approved by the Stage 3 Study Abroad Co-ordinator.

Module Aims

This module aims to give students an understanding of how the time-symmetric laws of quantum mechanics obeyed by all systems can be linked, through a chain of statistical and thermodynamic reasoning, to the (apparently time-asymmetric) natural processes occurring in macroscopic systems. It also furnishes the theoretical background in statistical mechanics that can be drawn on in other modules e.g. Condensed Matter II (PHYM003).

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

A student who has passed this module should be able to:

• Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:
  1. explain thermodynamic concepts, including the ideas of reversibility, thermal equilibrium under various conditions and entropy;
  2. explain the concepts of statistical mechanics;
  3. describe the thermal properties (e.g. specific heat and distribution functions) of generic materials (e.g. insulators, metals, paramagnets, and Fermi and Bose systems) based on simple models of their basic constituents;
  4. calculate the average occupation of the energy states of a large collection of non-interacting atoms;
  5. use the techniques of statistical mechanics and thermodynamics to solve problems.
• Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:
  6. solve mathematical problems;
  7. study successfully within the system of an overseas university.
• Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:
  8. adapt to and learn from the educational frameworks and conventions of an overseas university.

Syllabus Plan

The syllabus should match, as far as reasonably practical, the contents of PHYM001 (Statistical Physics) and must satisfy Institute of Physics Accreditation requirements and must not duplicate modules that have already been taken, or will be taken in the future, as part of the degree.

1. Review of thermodynamics and the statistical description of equilibrium
2. Thermal interaction
3. Microscopic theory and macroscopic measurements
4. Canonical distribution
5. Thermodynamic interaction, phase transitions
6. Elementary kinetic theory of transport
7. Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein distributions; black-body photon radiation

Learning and Teaching

Learning Activities and Teaching Methods

Assessment

Notes: Assessment assignment patterns follow the conventions of the host institution. The above entries are only indicative of typical arrangements. Grades awarded by overseas institutions are converted to Exeter grades using the conversion procedures described in the Physics Handbook

Resources

The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of information that students are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Instructor(s).

Core text:

• Not applicable

Supplementary texts:

• Not applicable

ELE:

• http://newton.ex.ac.uk/redirects/ELE/phym211

Further Information

Prior Knowledge Requirements

Re-assessment

Re-assessment is not available except when required by referral or deferral.

Notes: Re-assessment arrangements follow the conventions of the host institution

KIS Data Summary

Miscellaneous