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Handbook 1997 : Faculty of Science : Physics

640-246 Thermal Physics

Credit Points:

6.25

Coordinator:

Dr M Livett

Prerequisite/s:

Physics 640-121 + 640-122 or 640-141 + 640-142 (before 1996: 640-120 or 640-140); Mathematics 618-111or 618-121 or 618-142 (before 1996: 618-101); Mathematics 618-112 or 618-122 or 618-200 or 618-211 (before 1996: 618-102).

Timetable:

Semester 2

Contact:

18 lectures and 9 x 1-hour tutorials

Objectives:

By the end of this course the student should:

  • comprehend the classical phenomenological approach to thermal physics as well as the basis for the atomistic approach provided by kinetic theory;

  • be able to apply thermodynamic theory to simple physical systems and to have sufficient appreciation of kinetic theory to understand many phenomena using these ideas;

  • appreciate the very central and fundamental nature of these theories in physics, chemistry and engineering.

Content:

Basic concepts: thermodynamic variables. Zeroth law: heat; temperature and its measurement; temperature dependence of material properties. Equations of state: special processes; differential changes of state; work. First law: internal energy; enthalpy; heat capacities; latent heats. Second law: heat engines; efficiencies; entropy and its use; free energies. Kinetic theory: Maxwell distributions; efflux; transport theory; conductivity; black body radiation.

Assessment:

A 2-hour end-of-semester written examination plus tests and/or assignments, set during the semester, which may account for up to 20 % of the final marks.

Prescribed Texts:

  • Sears F W and Salinger G L, Thermodynamics, Kinetic Theory and Statistical Mechanics, 3rd ed. Addison-Wesley.
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Handbook 1997 : Faculty of Science : Physics 
Status:                   OFFICIAL 1997
Last Modified:            Wednesday March 12 3:36 pm
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Email Enquiries:          Course_Information@registrar.unimelb.edu.au
Copyright © University of Melbourne 1997.