On completion of this subject the student should be able to:
1. Define concepts of thermodynamics such as isolated, closed and open system, thermodynamic equilibrium, quasi-static and non-quasi-static process, etc.;
2. State the laws of thermodynamics and discus some of the consequences of the first and second laws of thermodynamics;
3. Define Helmholtz and Gibbs functions, write down Maxwell relations;
4. Describe, using the Claussius-Clapeyron equation, how pressure varies with temperature of a system consisting of two phases in equilibrium;
5. Apply principles of thermodynamics to radiant energy within an enclosure;
6. Discuss classical and quantum statistics.
Scope of thermodynamics; State of a thermodynamic system; Thermal equilibrium and temperature; The zeroth law of thermodynamics; Empirical and thermodynamic temperatures; Equation of state of an ideal gas; Equations of state of real gases; P-V-T surfaces for substances; Expansivity and compressibility; Concepts of work and adiabatic process; The first law of thermodynamics; Internal energy; Heat flow; The mechanical equivalent of heat; heat capacity; Enthalpy; Some consequences of the first law; The second law of thermodynamics; Thermodynamic temperature; Entropy; Temperature-entropy diagrams; The principle of increase of entropy; The Helmholtz-Gibbs functions; Thermodynamic potentials; The Maxwell relations; Phase transitions; The Claussius-Clapeyron equation; The third law of thermodynamics; Introduction to statistical mechanics in terms of energy states and energy levels; Macrostates and microstates, probability theory, Bose-Einstein, Fermi-Dirac and Maxwell-Boltzmann statistics and their distribution functions, and others if time permits.
Sears, F. W., Salinger, G. L., Thermodynamics: kinetic theory and statistical thermodynamics, Addison-Wesley, Reading, UK, 1975.
Zemansky, M. W., Dittman, R. H., Heat and thermodynamics: an intermediate textbook, McGraw-Hill, New York, USA, 1981.
Mandl, F., Statistical physics, Wiley, New York, USA, 1988.
Finn, C.B.P., Thermal physics, Chapmann and Hall, New York, USA, 1993.
Continuous assessment 40%
Written examination 60% (1×3 hrs.)
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