Admission Requirements
Description
In comparison to Statistical Physics 1 we will increase the complexity of the systems to allow for interactions between objects. This requires the introduction of approximation methods. We will specifically discuss the virial expansion, the van der Waals equation of state, low- and high-temperature expansions, and mean field theory. This will give us handles to study complex problems like the gas-liquid phase transition, the spontaneous magnetization of a system of interacting spins, and the interaction between charged objects immersed in a salt solution.
Course objectives
Learn how to handle physics problems that cannot be solved exactly by using various approximation methods.
Timetable
Mode of instruction
Lectures and Tutorials
Assessment method
Written exam
Homework (bonus)
Blackboard
Lecture notes, additional readings and assignments will be provided.
To have access to Blackboard you need a ULCN-account.Blackboard UL
Reading list
Daijiro Yoshioka, Statistical Physics, An Introduction
Excerpts from (will be provided): Claude Garrod, Statistical Mechanics and Thermodynamics; Frederick Reif, Fundamentals of Statistical and Thermal Physics