Physics 227 Spring 2008

Thermal Physics

Instructor: Prof. Y. Gao - B&L 473 (x-58574)

Text: C. Kittel and H. Kroemer, Thermal Physics (W.H. Freeman and Co., San Francisco, 1980).

References: The following have been reserved for Physics 227 in POA Library (B&L 374)

C. Kittel, Elementary Statistical Physics (Willy, 1958)

The origin of our present text, intended for graduate level. You can read much of this to enhance your understanding.

M. Plischke and R. Bergersen, Equilibrium Statistical Physics (Prentice-Hall, 1989)

A newer book appears to give a very readable account but at the graduate level.

H.B. Callen, Thermodynamics and an Introduction to Thermostatistics (John Willey and Sons, 1985)

Undergraduate (Chaps. 1-7) and graduate level. More of classical thermodynamics approach and contains detailed descriptions.

L.D. Landau and E.M. Lifshitz, Statistical Physics (Addison-Wesley, 1969)

The "physicists" treatment of the subject. Often tackles problems others are too timid to handle.

R.C. Tolman, Principles of Statistical Mechanics (Oxford, 1938)

Lengthy and thorough. Emphasizes heavily on classical thermodynamics.

Content: The first twelve chapters of the textbook will be covered in the same order and approximately one chapter per week. The last three chapters will be covered according to the availability of time.

Requirements:

Lectures will elaborate mainly upon the text material. (a) Assigned problems will be distributed as early as possible and will be due the following Friday at 6:00 pm unless otherwise instructed, in the locker next B&L 106. Solution will be provided online in the following week. Late homework policy: 50% credit; 0% if more than 3 calendar days late.

(b) Short quizzes will be held on most Thursdays based on assigned readings.

(c) One Mid-term examination (75 minutes) will be held on March 18 (tentatively) at class time.

(d) Final examination (2.5 hours) will be held on May 8 at 4:00pm.

Grading: To be determined by the requirements (a)-(d) according to the following proportions: (a) 30%; (b) 10%; (c) 20%; and (d) 40%. However, distinct performance in any of the categories may be allowed to weight the averages of those parts in an appropriate way.

Assistance: Prof. Gao's office hours will be 1:00-3:00 pm on Tuesdays. Other times can also be arranged when it is mutually convenient. The best way to reach Prof. Gao outside of the appointment hours is by e-mail at ygao@pas.rochester.edu, phone at 5-8574 (Office) or 5-6987 (Lab). Assistance is also available from Mr. Xiaofeng Qian and Huanjun Ding, who are the graduate TAs for our course. Mr. Qian and Mr. Ding will lead the workshops, and are responsible for grading the homework and quizzes, respectively. Their contact information:

Huanjun Ding, B&L 8, phone 5-6987, hjding@pas.rochester.edu

Xiaofeng Qian, B&L 322A, phone 5-8533, xfqian@pas.rochester.edu