Statistical Thermodynamics
5 credits
Syllabus, Master's level, 1KB354
A revised version of the syllabus is available.
- Code
- 1KB354
- Education cycle
- Second cycle
- Main field(s) of study and in-depth level
- Chemistry A1F, Physics A1F
- Grading system
- Fail (U), Pass (3), Pass with credit (4), Pass with distinction (5)
- Finalised by
- The Faculty Board of Science and Technology, 18 March 2010
- Responsible department
- Department of Chemistry - Ångström
Entry requirements
120 credits with 90 credits chemistry or physics, including thermodynamics. Course in Calculus of Several Variables is recommended.
Learning outcomes
On completion of the course, the student should be able to:
- account for the physical interpretation of partition functions and be able to calculate thermodynamic properties of model systems with using Boltzmann -, Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein statistics.
- account for the physical interpretation of distribution functions and discuss and show how these can be used in calculations of basic thermodynamic properties.
- calculate physical characteristics of non-ideal gases and liquids using the most common models for fluids.
- account for the fundamental ideas in the Debye-Hückel theory and use the theory for calculations of properties of electrolytes.
Content
Boltzmann -, Fermid-Dirac and Bose-Einstein statistics; Classical statistical thermodynamics; Distribution functions; Virial expansions; The Debye-Hückel theory for electrolytes; Lattice models for liquids; The Bragg-Williams approximation.
Instruction
Lectures or seminars and problem solving classes.
Assessment
Written assignments and written and/or oral test at the end of the course.