Statistical Physics II (PHYS*4240)
Code and section: PHYS*4240*01
Term: Fall 2019
Instructor: Elisabeth Nicol
Details
Course Description
It is assumed that the student has a good knowledge of thermodynamics and some statistical mechanics as introduced in PHYS*2240. You should have a working knowledge of classical mechanics, quantum mechanics, and E&M.
Timetable
Lectures
Monday, Wednesday, Friday
11:30a - 12:20p
MACN 318
Midterm
Monday, October 28, 2019
7:00p - 9:00p
MACN 218
Final Exam
Friday, December 13, 2019
7:00p - 9:00p
MACN 318
Instructional Support
Instructor: Elisabeth Nicol
Email: enicol@uoguelph.ca
Telephone: +1-519-824-4120 x53771
Office: MACN 329
Course Objectives
This course is a continuation of the study of the laws of statistical mechanics and thermodynamics begun in PHYS*2240, Thermal Physics. Statistical Physics is the study of the physical properties of systems consisting of a very large number of atoms, molecules, or other particles. In spite of the enormous complexity of macroscopic bodies when viewed from an atomistic viewpoint these bodies obey quite definite laws. Macroscopic observable quantities such as temperature and pressure are averages over microscopic properties and the macroscopic laws which these quantities obey are of a statistical nature.
The objectives of this course are to develop an understanding of the statistical nature of the laws of thermodynamics, to examine the basic theory of statistical mechanics and to apply this theory to a wide variety of interesting problems.
Evaluation
Quizzes (best 9 out of 11) – 10%
Assignments – 20%
Midterm Test – 30%
Final Examination – 40%
The final examination has been set for Friday, December 13, 2019 from 7:00pm - 9:00pm, MACN 318
The midterm test is scheduled for Monday, October 28 from 7:00-9:00pm, MACN 318
If the midterm test is missed because of illness or for compassionate reasons, the student should obtain a medical certificate or similar documentation and consult me. There will be eleven ten- minute quizzes. Each will have about 10 multiple choice or short answer questions which will test the material covered in the previous week’s lectures, assignment work, and the Monday lecture before the quiz. The quizzes will be given in the last ten minutes of the Wednesday class starting in the second full week of the course. The best 9 marks out of 11 quizzes will be used to determine the quiz grade out of 10 for the final mark. Therefore, up to two quizzes may be missed without penalty and no make-up quizzes will be offered for missed quizzes. Assignments will be due approximately every two weeks, at beginning of class on the date of the deadline (no late assignments accepted). High presentation standards are expected.
Topics
- Review of thermodynamics
- Statistical mechanics of isolated systems
- Statistical mechanics of interacting systems
- Paramagnetism
- Quantum statistics of ideal gases
- Black-body radiation
- Heat capacity of solids
- Bose-Einstein Condensation
Learning Resources
Required Resources
Courselink (Website)
There is no course text. Lecture notes will be posted on Courselink.
Recommended Resources
An Introduction to Thermal Physics (Textbook)
Your thermal text from PHYS*2240 [An Introduction to Thermal Physics, by D.V. Schroeder, (Addison Wesley Longman, 2000)] will also cover some of the course topics.
Additional Resources
Introductory Statistical Mechanics (Textbook)
Roger Bowley and Mariana S´anchez, Introductory Statistical Mechanics, 2nd ed. (Oxford University Press, 1999, Oxford).
Fundamentals of Statistical and Thermal Physics (Textbook)
F. Reif, Fundamentals of Statistical and Thermal Physics (McGraw-Hill, 1965, QC 175.R43).
Statistical Physics (Textbook)
F. Mandl, Statistical Physics, Second Edition (Wiley, 1988, QC 174.8.M27).
States of Matter (Textbook)
D.L. Goodstein, States of Matter (Prentice Hall, 1975; Dover, 1985, QC 173.3.G66).
Statistical Mechanics (Textbook)
K. Huang, Statistical Mechanics, Second Edition (Wiley, 1987, QC 174.8.H83).
Thermal Physics (Textbook)
C. Kittel and H. Kroemer, Thermal Physics, Second Edition (Freeman, 1980, QC 311.5.K52).
Statistical Physics (Textbook)
L.D. Landau and E.M. Lifshitz, Statistical Physics, Third Edition, Part 1 (Pergamon, 1980, QC 175.L32).
Statistical Mechanics (Textbook)
P.K. Pathria, Statistical Mechanics (Pergamon, 1972, QC 175.P35).
University Statements
Email Communication
When You Cannot Meet a Course Requirement
Undergraduate Calendar - Academic Consideration and Appeals
Graduate Calendar - Grounds for Academic Consideration
Associate Diploma Calendar - Academic Consideration, Appeals and Petitions
Drop Date
Undergraduate Calendar - Dropping Courses
Graduate Calendar - Registration Changes
Associate Diploma Calendar - Dropping Courses
Copies of Out-of-class Assignments
Accessibility
Academic Integrity
Recording of Materials
Resources
Disclaimer
Please note: This is a preliminary web course description. The department reserves the right to change without notice any information in this description. An official course outline will be distributed in the first class of the semester and/or posted on Courselink.