Indira Gandhi National Open University, India, PHE-06, Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics

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Title:

PHE-06, Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics

Institution:

Indira Gandhi National Open University, India

Level:

Degree.

Description:

Energy is intimate to our existence. The energy that cooks our food, lights our houses and operates machines appears in its manifestation as heat released in burning of wood, coal, gas or oil. What is heat? How can we specify the direction of its flow? The answers to these and other related questions fall in the domain of thermodynamics. This subject came into existence on phenomenological basis long before we knew the nature of matter. There are two distinct approaches to learning this subject. The classical approach is based on some postulates derived from experience. In the statistical approach, on the other hand, the firm physical and statistical basis of thermodynamics is demonstrated by relating the properties of bulk systems to the behaviour of their elementary constituents.

One of the oldest hypotheses is that matter is made up of molecules. The interplay between intermolecular forces and thermal agitation gave birth to the molecular theory, which when supplemented by the laws of mechanics for individual molecules leads to kinetic theory. It enables us to relate macroscopic and microscopic properties of gases. In a sense, kinetic theory has great aesthetic appeal in that elegant laws governing the gaseous behaviour emerge out of chaotic motion of a large number of molecules. Moreover, this theory finds useful applications in frontal areas of physics.

In classical statistical mechanics, we supplement purely statistical methods by the law of (classical) mechanics for individual particles making up the system. The advent of quantum mechanics gave it a new shape.

Many new phenomena, completely unknown to the domain of classical statistical physics, can be satisfactorily explained. The working of lasers, physics of superconductivity and superfluidity is much better understood now.

In its present state, thermodynamics and statistical mechanics is one of the most fascinating courses taught to undergraduate physics students. It finds use in material science, engineering, chemistry, quantum, atomic and molecular physics, spectroscopy and beyond. It provides opportunities to develop a sensibility towards nature; the essential part of physics education. Therefore, a more thoughtful study will bring extra rewards.

Block 1: The Zeroth and First Laws of Thermodynamics:
1. Basic concepts of thermodynamics
2. Measurement of temperature
3. The first law of thermodynamics
4. Applications of the first law of thermodynamics

Block 2: Second and Third Laws of Thermodynamics:
5. Entropy and the second law of thermodynamics
6. The thermodynamic potentials
7. Phase transitions
8. Production of low temperatures and the third law

Block 3: Elementary Kinetic Theory:
9. Ideal gases
10. Transport phenomena
11. Brownian motion
12. Real gases

Block 4: Elements of Statistical Mechanics:
13. Basic concepts of statistical mechanics
14. The partition function
15. Quantum statistics.

Assessment is by two assignments (30%) and a final examination (70%).

Programmes for which this course is required or in which it can be included:
Bachelor of Science.

Languages:

English and Hindi

Media and methods employed: Printed text, tutorial support, study centres.

Contact programme.

Administrative information:

This is a 4 credit course. A credit is approximately 30 hours of study. 120 hours of study will therefore be required on this course.

Classification:

070430 PHYSICS

Date:

26 February 1998 bb
Source: 1997 Institution Update

[About the Institution][Courses][Programmes]

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