FYSA2041 Statistical Physics, part A (6 cr)

Study level:
Intermediate studies
Grading scale:
0-5
Language:
Finnish
Responsible organisation:
Department of Physics
Curriculum periods:
2020-2021, 2021-2022, 2022-2023, 2023-2024

Description

  • Temperature

  • Pressure and Thermodynamical Equilibrium

  • System State; Microstate and Macrostate

  • Equation of State and State Variables

  • Intensive and Extensive VAriables

  • Internal Energy, Heat, and Work

  • 1. Rule of Thermodynamics

  • Reversible and Irreversible Process

  • Reversible Expansion of Gas, Work and Heat

  • Exact and Inexact Differentials

  • Adiabatic, Isobaric, Isochoric, and Isentropic Process

  • Response Functions, Heat Capacity

  • Adiabatic Equation of state of Ideal Gas

  • Cyclic Process and Entropy

  • Conseuqences of 2. Law of Thermodynamics

  • Natural Variables

  • Maxwell Relations

  • Boltzmann Entropia

  • Maxwell-Boltzmann Distribution

  • Boltzmann Distribution

  • Partition Function

  • Classical Phase Spase and Counting States

  • Paramagnetism

  • Magnetic Cooling

  • Equilibrium in Canonical Ensemble and Fluctuations

  • Joule-Thomson Effect

  • Adiabatic Stretching of a Wire, Rubber Band

  • Equipartition Theorem

  • Phase Transitions

  • Condition of Phase Equilibrium

  • Coexistence and Free Energy Minimization

  • Ising Model; Mean Field Approximation, Simulation

  • Landau Theory of Phase Transition 

Learning outcomes

After finishing the course the student

  • Knows and understands the principles of thermodynamics, it’s range of validity, the postulates, equations of states, and entropy, closed systems and systems coupled to an environment, their thermodynamical potentials and principles of statistical mechanics. T

  • Can derive thermodynamical variables starting from an energy spectrum and partition function

  • Know what the Boltzmann distribution means and how it’s related to the effect of a heat bath to the energy states of the system

  • Knows the connection between statistical physics and thermodynamics

  • Understands the role of the chemical potential in phase equilibria and how phase transitions are modeled can represented in phase diagrams

  • Is familiar with the Ginzburg-Landau theory and spin models (such as Ising) 

Description of prerequisites

  • FYSP1010 Principles of Mechanics (Mekaniikan perusteet)

  • FYSP1020 Vibrations and Thermodynamics (Värähtelyt ja termodynamiikka),

  • FYSA2001 Modern physics, part A, (Moderni fysiikka, osa A)

  • MATP211-213 Calculus 1-3,

  • MATA114 Differential Equations (Differentiaaliyhtälöt) (or similar).

  • Warmly recommended: FYSA2031 Quantum Mechanics, part A 

Study materials

Luentomoniste

Literature

  • Franz Mandl, Statistical Physics, ISBN-13: 978-0471915331, ISBN-10: 0471915335.
  • Roger Bowley and Mariana Sanchez, Introductory Statistical Mechanics, ISBN-13: 978-0198505761 ISBN-10: 0198505760.
  • Jouko Arponen ja Juha Honkonen, Statistinen Fysiikka, ISBN-13: 9789517451895, ISBN-10: 951745189X.
  • Linda Reichl , A Modern Course in Statical Physics, ISBN-13: 978-3527413492 ISBN-10: 3527413499

Completion methods

Method 1

Evaluation criteria:
Exercises, exam and laboratory work. Exercises max. 12 points, exam max 48 points, lab works max 12 points (min 6 points). If the theory points (exercises + exam points) are slightly below the required limit, it’s possible to earn extra points writing and essay about a given topic or completing extra exercises.
Time of teaching:
Period 3
Select all marked parts

Method 2

Description:
This completion method is intended for students for whom method 1 is not possible for specific reasons (e.g. language, living elsewhere). The course lecturer must be contacted before enrolling on the course.
Evaluation criteria:
Exam
Select all marked parts
Parts of the completion methods
x

Teaching (6 cr)

Type:
Participation in teaching
Grading scale:
0-5
Evaluation criteria:
Exercises, exam and laboratory work. Exercises max. 12 points, exam max. 48 points, lab work max. 12 points (min. 6 points). If the theory points (exercises + exam points) are slightly below the required limit, it’s possible to earn extra points writing and essay about a given topic or completing extra exercises.
Language:
Finnish
Study methods:

Lectures, exercises, laboratory work, exam. 

Teaching

x

Independent study (6 cr)

Type:
Independent study
Grading scale:
0-5
Evaluation criteria:
Exam
Language:
Finnish
Study methods:

Exam or home exam plus laboratory work. . 

Teaching