Learning Outcomes and Assessment

This course covers the foundations of classical thermodynamics and gives an introduction to the principles of statistical thermodynamics. In particular it aims to develop a good understanding of the concept of entropy.  The kinetic theory of gases (including transport properties), phase transitions and thermal radiation are considered in the light of this foundation. 

Synopsis

Fundamentals: Nature and scope of thermodynamics, thermodynamic variables; functions of state; zeroth law; concept of temperature; ideal gases; temperature scales; equations of state; work and heat; exact and inexact differentials; first law; heat capacities; reversible and irreversible changes; isothermal and adiabatic expansions of ideal gases.

Second Law and Entropy:  Carnot cycle and Carnot's theorem; Clausius’ theorem; entropy and its increase; Clausius and Kelvin formulations of second law; definition of thermodynamic temperature;  heat engines, pumps and refrigerators; efficiency.

Analytical Thermodynamics: Thermodynamic potentials, relation to global entropy changes and uses; Maxwell relations and their applications.

Phase Changes:  Phase diagram of real gases; van der Waals’ equation; conditions for equilibrium; latent heat; Clausius-Clapeyron equation. 

Third Law: Entropy at low temperatures; adiabatic demagnetisation; unattainability of absolute zero.

Thermodynamics of Radiation: Black body radiation; pressure and energy density; Kirchhoff’s Law; Stefan-Boltzmann Law; Planck’s Law.

Foundations of Statistical Thermodynamics: Concepts and definitions: basic postulates of statistical mechanics, macro-states and micro-states; statistical definitions of temperature and entropy; derivation of the Boltzmann distribution; equipartition theorem; the canonical ensemble; Gibbs Entropy; the partition function and its relation to other thermodymanic variables.

Kinetic Gas theory:  Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution; flux; barometric height distribution; degrees of freedom and heat capacity; transport properties

BOOKS

The course will mainly follow the book “Concepts in Thermal Physics” S.J. Blundell & K.M. Blundell (Oxford University Press).

For further reading:

“Equilibrium Thermodynamics” Adkins C J (3rd edn CUP 1983).

“Thermodynamics and an Introduction to Thermostatistics” H. P. Callen (John Wiley & Sons 1985).