Physics 8310 Statistical Mechanics

Spring 2013

Phys 8310 Statistical Mechanics is a graduate level course in the theories of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. We will discuss the foundations and relationships of both theories, and survey various applications. Topics include: thermodynamics and applications, thermodynamics of phase transitions, statistical mechanics and ensemble theory, the microcanonical, canonical, and grand canonical ensembles, magnetic systems, Bose and Fermi gases, black-body radiation, and phonon theories. Instructor: Cass Sackett Email: sackett@virginia.edu Phone: 434-924-6795 Office: Physics 155

Class Hours: TR 11:00 12:15, Physics 210 Office Hours: Monday and Wednesday 4:30-5:30 PM Webpage: http://www.people.virginia.edu/~cas8m/classes/phys8310/2013
Includes links to lecture notes, homework assignments, and homework solutions.

Texts: Pathria and Beale, Statistical Mechanics, 3rd edition Reichl, A Modern Course in Statistical Physics
We will use Reichl for thermodynamics and Pathria for statistical mechanics proper. Photocopies of the relevant sections from Reichl will be provided.

Additional resources: Callen, Thermodynamics (More detailed discussion of thermodynamics) Huang, Statistical Mechanics (Another popular graduate text) Garrod, Statistical Mechanics and Thermodynamics (Graduate text with many examples) Reif, Fundamentals of Statistical and Thermal Physics (Good undergrad text) Kittel and Kroemer, Thermal Physics (Good undergrad text) Grading: Homework Midterm exams Final exam 30% 20% each 30%

Drop your three lowest scores if you complete the course evaluation at the end of the semester

Homework: Assignments will be due daily. Class time will be provided for collaborative work on the assignments. Students are encouraged to work together both in and out of class, but each student must write up their solutions independently. Assignments are due at the beginning of class. Late assignments will be assessed a 10% penalty, and will be accepted up to one week late. Exams: There will be two midterm exams and a final exam. All exams will be closed book and timed. Exam dates: Midterm (thermodynamics): February 14, in class Midterm (statistical mechanics): March 26, in class Final (comprehensive): May 2, 9:00 AM to noon

PHYS 8310
Date
1/15 1/17 1/22 1/24 1/29 1/31 2/5 2/7 2/12 2/14 2/19 2/21 2/26 2/28 3/5 3/7 3/12 3/14 3/19 3/21 3/26 3/28 4/2 4/4 4/9 4/11 4/16

Course Schedule
Reading Reichl 2.A,B,C Reichl 2.D Reichl 2.E Reichl 2.F,G Reichl 3.A,B Reichl 4.A,B,C Reichl 4.D Reichl 3.C, 4.E Pathria 1.1,2,3 Pathria 1.4,5,6 Pathria 2.1,2 Pathria 2.3,4 Pathria 3.1,2,3,4 Pathria 3.5,6,7,8

4/18 4/23 4/25 4/30

Topics State variables and equations of state Laws of thermodynamics, work, heat Entropy Free energy Joule-Thompson effect Phase transitions van der Waals gas, Maxwell construction -- NO CLASS -Binary solutions -- EXAM 1 -Concepts of statistical mechanics Ideal gas Classical and quantum descriptions, ensemble theory Microcanonical ensemble Boltzmann factor, canonical ensemble Canonical ensemble applications -- BREAK --- BREAK -Classical magnetism Grand canonical ensemble -- EXAM 2 -Density matrix Indistinguishable particles Bose gas Bose-Einstein condensation Black body radiation Phonon gas Fermi gas Quantum magnetism White dwarfs Catch up and review

Pathria 3.9 Pathria 4.1,2,3,4 Pathria 5.1,2,3,4,5 Pathria 6.1,2,3 Pathria 7.1 Pathria 7.2 Pathria 7.3 Pathria 7.4 Pathria 8.1, 8.3 Pathria 8.2 Pathria 8.5