PHYS 400(S) Thermal and Statistical Physics

This course approaches thermal phenomena in two ways. First, we study systems in terms of temperature, pressure, volume, and other macroscopic parameters which characterize their equilibrium states. This leads to the notions of internal energy, heat, and entropy which lie at the heart of the laws of thermodynamics. Then we take a microscopic approach, combining classical and quantum mechanics with statistical methods to show how macroscopic behavior emerges from microscopic physics. Some applications include blackbody radiation, quantum fluids, and the thermal properties of solids. Evaluation will be based on weekly problem sets, a midterm exam, a final exam, and a paper/presentation.

Hour: JONES