Handbook 1996 : Faculty of Science (Volume 4 page 229)
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Credit points: 15.5
Coordinator: Prof. G I Opat
Prerequisite: Physics 640-226 or 246
Contact: 36 lectures (three a week) and 13 x 1-hour tutorials
Timetable: First semester
Objectives:
By the completion of this course the student should:
- have a thorough comprehension of the principles and techniques of statistical mechanics;
- have an introductory comprehension of non-equilibrium thermodynamics and statistical physics;
- be able to apply statistical mechanics to the understanding of solid state physics, black body radiation and ideal gases.
Content:
Ensembles and the basic postulate. Statistical basis of the thermodynamic laws. Third law of thermodynamics. Canonical, micro-canonical and grand-canonical ensembles and associated statistical and thermodynamic functions. Ideal quantum gases. Applications. The classical limit, real gases. Black body radiation. Ideal magnetic systems. Non-equilibrium thermodynamics; Onsager relations. Kinetic theory, Boltzmann's equation, the H-theorem, transport phenomena in gases and plasmas.
Assessment:
A 3-hour end-of-semester written examination.
Prescribed texts:
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Handbook 1996 : Faculty of Science (Volume 4 page 229)
Status: Official 1996 Date created: Oct 9 1995 Last modified: Oct 9 1995 Authorised by: Academic Registrar Email enquiries: Course_Information@registrar.unimelb.edu.au
Maintained by: School of Physics, Faculty of Science.
Copyright © University of Melbourne 1995,1996.