PHYS 365 - Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics

(4)

FA, alternate years. Equations of state, heat capacities, and the laws of thermodynamics. The thermodynamic potentials. Application to some simple systems and changes of phase. Kinetic theory. Statistical mechanics with emphasis on the canonical ensemble. Determination of entropy and the thermodynamic potentials with application to solids and gases. Introduction to quantum statistical mechanics. Prerequisite(s): MATH 231; PHYS 306; and PHYS 131 or ENGR 209.