Physics and Astronomy 468 - Statistical Mechanics

Institution:

Macalester College

Subject:

Description:

This course explores the equilibrium and kinetic properties of many-particle systems such as gases, liquids, and solids. The fundamental notions of entropy, temperature, and the Boltzmann relation are rigorously derived from statistical mechanics, and are used to develop other thermodynamic ideas such as chemical potential and free energy. The theory is applied to classical and quantum systems, including photon gases (black-body radiation), Bose-Einstein condensation, fermion systems such as metals and neutron stars, classical ideal gases, vibrations in solids (phonons), chemical reactions, semiconductors, and transport phenomena. Three lectures per week. Prerequisites: Physics 331 and Mathematics 237. Alternate years; next offered Fall 2009. (4 credits)

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.macalester.edu

Phone Number:

(651) 696-6000

Regional Accreditation:

North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Semester

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