640-322 Thermal Physics (Adv)

Physics 640-223 or 640-243. (Prior to 1999: Physics 640-246 or 640-226.)

Statistical mechanics, the microscopic basis of classical thermodynamics, is developed in this subject. It is one of the core areas of physics, finding wide application in solid state physics, astrophysics, plasma physics and cosmology.

Students completing this subject will be able to:

• explain the statistical basis of the second and third laws of thermodynamics and the application of statistical mechanics to a range of problems in physics;

• calculate statistical and thermodynamic functions using the canonical, micro-canonical and grand-canonical ensembles; and

• analyse and interpret mathematical expressions obtained in these calculations.

In addition, students will enhance their ability to:

• participate effectively as part of a group in tutorials; and

• plan effective work schedules and manage their time to meet the deadlines for submission of assessable work and prepare for tests and examinations.

Using fundamental ideas from quantum physics, a systematic treatment of statistical mechanics is developed for systems in equilibrium. The content of this subject includes ensembles and the basic postulate; the statistical basis of the second and third laws of thermodynamics; canonical, micro-canonical and grand-canonical ensembles and associated statistical and thermodynamic functions; ideal quantum gases; black body radiation; the classical limit and an introduction to real gases; applications to solid state physics; the Boltzmann equation and an introduction to kinetic theory.

A 3-hour end-of-semester written examination; plus tests totalling up to two hours and/or projects and/or assignments totalling up to an equivalent of no more than 3000 words, set during the semester and which may account for up to 20% of the final mark.

• D J Amit and Y Verbin, Statistical Physics: An Introductory Course. World Scientific.