FY523: Thermal physics I

This course give a theoretical introduction to the basic concepts of
thermodynamics and statistical mechanics and statistical thermodynamics
and show their application in modelling of selected physical and
physical-chemical systems and for interpretation of experimental
measurements. By the end of the course the student is expected to be
able to apply the these concepts on a given physical problem and perform
a thermodynamic analysis.

The course builds on the knowledge
acquired in introductory mechanics, and gives an academic basis for
studying physical systems involving many degrees of freedoms e.g. in
condensed matter physics, soft materials, transport theory, phase
transitions and high energy physics, that are part of the degree.

In relation to the competence profile of the degree it is the explicit focus of the course to:

The course gives an introduction to thermodynamics and elements of statistical thermodynamics:

• The
  basic ingredients of thermodynamics: state functions, 1. and 2. Law of
  thermodynamics, thermodynamics potentials and response functions (heat
  capacity, compressibility, susceptibility, etc.) are derived and
  discussed by use of simple examples, e.g. ideal and real gasses.
• The thermodynamic basis for the description of structural stability, chemical equilibria and phase transitions will be reviewed.
• The statistical basis for the thermodynamic description is introduced.
• The basic relations between equilibrium fluctuations and thermodynamic response functions are described.
• Examples:
  adsorption on surfaces, piezo and pyro-electricity, liquid mixtures,
  rubber elasticity, Black body radiation and evaporation. 

There will be a theoretical project to be handed in the end of the course.