Admission requirements
Classical Mechanics a, Optics, Diffusion, Analysis1na, Linear Algebra1na, Analysis2na
Description
Statistical Physics builds a bridge between the microscopic world of, for instance, atoms and molecules and the resulting collective behavior at the macroscopic level, that is described by thermodynamics, The concept of temperature and the fact that a very large number of particles is involved play crucial roles in making this work. Using probability theory and the Gibbs theory of ensembles the statistical physics of
systems in equilibrium is developed and applied to gases and other examples, such as rubber and magnetic systems.
Course objectives
After finishing the course you are able to perform calculations and short derivations concerning the following topics in statistical physics:
Thermal equilibrium, principle of equal probability
Entropy, temperature, microcanonical ensemble
Free energy, canonical ensemble, partition function, Maxwell relations
Ideal gases, pressure, phase space, degrees of freedom
Elasticity of rubber
Magnetic systems, magnetisation and susceptibility, heat capacity, Ising model, mean-field approximation
Grand canonical ensemble
Timetable
Mode of instruction
Lectures, problem sessions
Course Load
Assessment method
Written exam with open questions (closed book).
Blackboard
Material and communication concerning the course is provided via Blackboard.
To access Blackboard you need your ULCN-account Blackboard UL
Reading list
An Introduction to Statistical Mechanics and Thermodynamics, R.H. Swendsen (Oxford University Press, 2012). ISBN 978-0-19-964694-4 (mandatory)
Contact
Contactgegevens Docent:Dr.P. Denteneer (Peter)