Module Objective: To introduce students to the fundamentals of thermal and statistical physics.
Module Content: Laws of thermodynamics, statistical interpretation of entropy and temperature, thermodynamic potentials and Maxwell's relations, Boltzmann distributions, Joule effect and Joule -Thompson effect, phase transitions, Clausius-Clapeyron equation, ideal gases, cyclic processes.
Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
- show familiarity with the 3 laws of thermodynamics and know how to apply them;
- show familiarity with the various thermodynamic potentials (energies) and how to work with them,
- be able to derive the four thermodynamical Maxwell's relations and know how to apply them,
- know the characteristic properties of and ideal gases and cyclic processes and how to apply them,
- be familiar with common manifestations of the non-ideal nature of real gases
- know the characteristic properties of phase transitions and phase diagrams
- show familiarity with the concepts of basic statistical physics, including an understanding of and ability to work with the partition function and quantities derived from the partition function.
Assessment: Total Marks 100: Formal Written Examination 80 marks; Continuous Assessment 20 marks (4 assignments, 3 marks each & 2 in-class tests, 4 marks each).
Compulsory Elements: Formal Written Examination; Continuous Assessment.
Penalties (for late submission of Course/Project Work etc.): Work which is submitted late shall be assigned a mark of zero (or a Fail Judgement in the case of Pass/Fail modules)
Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40%.
Formal Written Examination: 1 x 1.5 hr paper to be taken in Winter 2022.
Requirements for Supplemental Examination: 1 x 1.5 hr paper, The mark for Continuous Assessment is carried forward.