Module Description

PHY2023 Thermal Physics

2011-2012

Code: PHY2023
Level: 2
Title: Thermal Physics
Instructors: Dr M.E. Portnoi
CATS Credit Value: 15
ECTS Credit Value: 7.5
Pre-requisites: N/A
Co-requisites: N/A
Duration: T2:01-11
Availability: unrestricted
Background Assumed: -

Total Student Study Time

150 hours, to include: 22×1-hour lectures; 44 hours directed self-study; 10 hours of problems class support; 3 hours of tutorial support; 72 hours private study.

Aims

Classical thermodynamics describes 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 development of statistical mechanics, which had major contributions from Maxwell, Boltzmann and Gibbs, showed that the application of 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. The module, which builds on the discussion of thermal properties in the Stage 1 Properties of Matter (PHY1024) 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 Condensed Matter I (PHY2024) and Stars (PHY3063) is stressed. The concepts developed in this module are further extended in Advanced Statistical Mechanics (PHYM001) module.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

  1. Module Specific Skills:
    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.
  2. Discipline Specific Skills:
    1. use calculus to calculate maximum and minimun values of constrained multivariable systems;
    2. use graphs and diagrams to illustrate arguments and explanations.
  3. Personal Transferable Skills:
    1. use a range of resources to develop an understanding of topics through independent study;
    2. solve problems;
    3. apply general concepts to a wide range of specfic systems and situations.

Learning / Teaching Methods

Lectures, e-Learning resources (ELE PHY2023), and problems classes.

Assessment and Assignments

ContributionAssessment/AssignmentSize (duration/length)When
10%Problem Sets8×2hrsWeekly
15%Mid-term Test30 minutesWeek T2:06
75%Final examination120 minutesTerm 3
FormativeGuided self-study5×6-hour packagesFortnightly

Syllabus Plan and Content

  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

Core Text

Mandl F. (1971), Statistical Physics, John Wiley, ISBN 0-471-56658-6 (UL: 530.132 MAN)

Supplementary Text(s)

Bowley R. and Sanchez M. (1996), Introductory Statistical Mechanics, Oxford Science Publications, ISBN 0-19-851794-7 (UL: 530.13 BOW)
Goodstein D.L. (2002), States of Matter, Dover, ISBN 978-0486495064 (UL: 530.4 GOO)

IOP Accreditation Compliance Checklist

Formative Mechanisms

The problems that students are set on this module are marked and discussed in detail in the problems classes and in tutorials. Students monitor their own progress by attempting the problems set. Students who need additional guidance are encouraged to discuss the matter with their tutor or the lecturer.

Evaluation Mechanisms

The module will be evaluated using information gathered via the student representation mechanisms, the staff peer appraisal scheme, and measures of student attainment based on summative assessment.

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