Statistical Physics A (basic) 1102-4AF11

http://www.fuw.edu.pl/~marcnap

I. Basic principles of statistical mechanics

1. Needs for statistical description
2. Elements of probability theory
3. Important example: Maxwell distribution
4. Ensembles in classical statistics
5. Ensembles in quantum statistics

II. Equilibrium ensembles

1. Concept of equilibrium
2. Micro-canonical ensemble
3. Important example: Classical ideal gas
4. Entropy
5. Temperature and pressure
6. Thermodynamic properties of classical ideal gas
7. Canonical ensemble
8. Grant canonical ensemble

III. Origin of thermodynamics

1. Thermodynamic potentials
2. Derivation of thermodynamic quantities

IV. Ideal quantum gases

1. The grand potential and distribution functions
2. Nearly degenerate Fermi gas
3. Bose-Einstein condensation
4. Phonons and specific heat of solids
5. Black body radiation

Course coordinators

Ewa Wojtala

Mode

Classroom

Prerequisites (description)

Introduction to basic principles in statistical description of many-body systems and presentation of microscopic origins of thermodynamical concepts.

Learning outcomes

Student understands the statistical description of many-body systems, knows relationships between phenomenological quantities and their microscopic definitions, can solve selected problems of classical and quantum ideal gases.

Assessment criteria

written mid-term exam
written final exam
oral final exam

Practical placement

none

Bibliography

K. Huang, Statistical mechanics.
F. Schwabl, Statistical mechanics
R.H. Swendsen, An introduction to statistical mechanics and thermodynamics
F. Mandl, Statistical physics
H.B. Callen, Thermodynamics