Instructor: C. A. Ward
Thermodynamics is reviewed. Quantum mechanics is introduced and used
to define the possible microscopic states of macroscopic systems. For macroscopic
systems in thermodynamic equilibrium, the concept of ensemble average
is introduced and the postulates of statistical mechanics are used to calculate
the
thermodynamic properties of selected systems from a knowledge of their
molecular nature. Entropy is interpreted in terms of quantum mechanical
concepts. The
thermal properties of solids, of gases adsorbed on solid surfaces,
of electrons in solids, of radiation, and of ideal gases are studied.
Updates
January 8, 2000: website created
Page maintained by: Alan McGaughey