Description

This module builds on the discussion of thermal properties in the Stage 1 PHY1024 Properties of Matter module, introduces classical thermodynamics and shows how its laws arise naturally from the statistical properties of an ensemble. Real-world examples of the key ideas are presented and their application in later modules such as PHY2024 Condensed Matter I and PHY3070 Stars from Birth to Death is stressed. The concepts developed in this module are further extended in the PHYM001 Statistical Physics module.

Module Aims

The aim of Classical thermodynamics is to describe the states and processes of of systems in terms of macroscopic directly measurable properties. It was largely developed during the industrial revolution for practical purposes, such as improving the efficiency the steam-engines, and its famous Three Laws are empirically based.

The aim of statistical mechanics, which had major contributions from Maxwell, Boltzmann and Gibbs, is to demonstrate that statistical methods can predict the bulk thermal properties of a system from an atomistic description of matter. The theory provides the only tractable means of analysing the almost unimaginable complexity of an N-body system containing 10²³ particles. The classical Second Law of Thermodynamics finds a natural explanation in terms of the evolution of a system from the less probable to the more probable configurations.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

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

• Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:
  1. explain the nature of classical entropy, and its relationship to the second law of thermodynamics;
  2. determine the maximum efficiency of simple heat-engines and heat pumps;
  3. calculate the equilibrium energy distribution of a system using the Boltzmann distribution;
  4. explain the origin of the second law from a statistical viewpoint;
  5. describe the significance of various thermodynamic potentials and deduce relations between them;
  6. demonstrate, by calculating certain properties of real gases, an understanding of the limitations of the ideal gas law;
  7. calculate bulk thermodynamic properties such as heat capacity, entropy and free energy from the partition function;
  8. predict whether a gas constitutes a classical or a quantal gas, and explain key differences in the behaviour of these;
• Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:
  9. use calculus to calculate maximum and minimun values of constrained multivariable systems;
  10. use graphs and diagrams to illustrate arguments and explanations;
• Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:
  11. use a range of resources to develop an understanding of topics through independent study;
  12. solve problems;
  13. apply general concepts to a wide range of specfic systems and situations;
  14. meet deadlines for completion of work for problems classes and develop appropriate time-management strategies.

Syllabus Plan

1. Introduction
   Brief historical survey.
2. Classical Thermodynamics
   1. Zeroth, first and second laws of thermodynamics
   2. Temperature scales, work, internal energy and heat capacity
   3. Entropy, free energies and the Carnot Cycle
   4. Changes of state
   5. Heat engines and heat pumps
   6. The Fundamental Thermodynamic Relationship
   7. Thermodynamic potentials and Maxwell relations
   8. Real gases
3. Statistical Physics
   1. Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution
   2. Boltzmann energy sharing
   3. Microscopic / statistical interpretation of entropy
4. Statistical Thermodynamics
   1. Density of states
   2. The partition function Z
   3. Macroscopic functions of state in terms of Z.
   4. Equation of state for an ideal monatomic gas
   5. The equipartition theorem
   6. Quantum statistical mechanics; the Bose-Einstein and Fermi-Dirac distributions

Learning and Teaching

Learning Activities and Teaching Methods

Assessment

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:

• Blundell S.J. and Blundell K.M. (2010), Concepts in Thermal Physics (2^nd edition), Oxford University Press, ISBN 978-0-191-71823-6 (UL: eBook)

Supplementary texts:

• Bowley R. and Sanchez M. (1996), Introductory Statistical Mechanics, Oxford Science Publications, ISBN 0-19-851794-7 (UL: 530.13 BOW)
• Ford I. (2013), Statistical Physics: An Entropic Approach, Wiley-Blackwell, ISBN 978-1-119-97530-4 (UL: eBook)
• Goodstein D.L. (2002), States of Matter, Dover, ISBN 978-0-486-49506-4 (UL: 530.4 GOO)
• Mandl F. (1971), Statistical Physics, John Wiley, ISBN 0-471-56658-6 (UL: 530.132 MAN)
• Shepherd P.J. (2013), A Course in Theoretical Physics, Wiley-Blackwell, ISBN 978-1-118-48134-9 (UL: eBook)

ELE:

• http://newton.ex.ac.uk/redirects/ELE/phy2023

Further Information

Prior Knowledge Requirements

Re-assessment

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

Notes: See Physics Assessment Conventions.

KIS Data Summary

Miscellaneous