Statistical Physics and Thermodynamics

171.312 Spring 2001

Course Description: The statistical description of physical systems consisting of a large number of particles is developed and the laws of thermodynamics are derived from a statistical framework. Topics include thermal radiation, Maxwell-Boltzmann statistics of the ideal gas, real gases, Fermi-Dirac statistics, Bose-Einstein statistics, phase transitions, and critical phenomena. Professor: Collin Broholm. Office hours Monday 2-4 pm in room 345 and by appointment. Questions are also answered by email (broholm@jhu.edu) or phone (410) 516 7840. Teaching Assistant: Ryan Newcomer. Office hours Wednesday 2-4 pm in room 204 and by appointment. Email newcomer@pha.jhu.edu ; phone (410) 516 5087. Text Book: Statistical Mechanics and Thermodynamics by Claude Garrod. Make sure you have paper and pencil in hand as you read. This is an interesting but also challenging book. Use the supplements to chapters in the back of the book to check and deepen your understanding of the material. Supplementary Literature: Fundamentals of Statistical and Thermal Physics by F. Reif. This is a comprehensive survey that might come in handy if you have trouble understanding Garrod. Thermal Physics by C. Kittle and H. Kroemer is an elegant introduction to the field especially when you know it well. Statistical Mechanics vol. 1 and 2 by L. D. Landau and E. M. Lifshitz. A classical and comprehensive survey of the field. Lectures: MTW 1-1:50 pm in room 274. We will go over the important and difficult points covered in th eweeks assignment and provide practical examples that help you solve the problems. Read the assigned text in advance and again afterwards for best understanding. Conference: Th. 1-1:50 pm in room 274. Conferences focus on improving your problem solving skills and entertaining questions. Conference problems will be assigned on a weekly basis so you can come prepared. Homework: Solving problems is how you learn physics. The weakly assignment will be due at class on Tuesdays. This is also when you get last weeks homework back and when next weeks homework is assigned.

Tentative Syllabus: Dates Jan. 29-31 Feb. 5-7 Feb. 12-14 Feb. 19-21 Feb. 26-28 Mar. 5-7 March 8 Mar. 12-14 Mar. 26-28 Apr. 2-4 Apr. 9-11 Apr. 16-18 Apr. 23-25 Apr. 30-May 5 5/11 Topic The theory of probability The Ideal Gas Foundation of Statistical Physics Statistical Physics + Canonical Ensemble Canonical Ensamble+Thermodynamics Foundation of Thermodynamics Midterm Exam Covering Chapters 1-4 Applications of Thermodynamics Quantum Gases Quantum Gases+Interacting Particles Interacting Particles Interacting Particles+Phase Transitions Phase Transitions and Critical Phenomena Critical Phenomena and Review of Course Final Exam 2-5 pm Covering Chapters 1-9 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 7-8 Chapter 8 Chapter 8-9 Chapter 9 Chapter 9 Reading Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 3-4 Chapter 4-5 Chapter 5

Exam Rules: No books are allowed but a formula collection will be available for exams. Grading: Final Exam Midterm Exam Homework 40% 20% 40%

Course Web Page: To appear at http://www.pha.jhu.edu/courses/coursehomepages.html