Course Description
The laws of thermodynamics and their application to physical systems. Kinetic theory.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Graduate students must demonstrate proficiency in thermodynamics at this level prior to enrolling in PCS 830.
Athena Title
THERMODYNAMICS
Undergraduate Prerequisite
PHYS 3700 and PHYS 3900 and MATH 2700 and (MATH 2270 or MATH 2500 or MATH 3510 or MATH 3510H)
Graduate Prerequisite
PHYS 3700 and PHYS 3900 and MATH 2700 and (MATH 2270 or MATH 2500 or MATH 3510 or MATH 3510H)
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
A student will be expected to have developed a working knowledge (which includes both fluency in the fundamental concepts and problem-solving ability) in the topics listed in the topical outline (item 5).
Topical Outline
a) Introduction to thermodynamics b) Energy and entropy c) Equilibrium d) Formal relationships e) Reversible processes f) Thermodynamic potentials g) Maxwell relations h) Thermodynamic stability i) 1st order transitions j) Critical phenomena k) Kinetic theory l) Introduction to statistical mechanics
Syllabus