Module overview
This course introduces the ideas of thermal physics, contrasting the complexity of a world composed of huge numbers of sub-microscopic particles with the simplicity of the thermodynamic laws that govern its large-scale behaviour.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- Know the 2nd law of thermodynamics, and understand the limitations that it imposes on processes.
- Know the 1st law of thermodynamics, and be able to calculate changes in the internal energy of simple systems
- Understand the kinetic theory of matter, the connection between molecular motion, temperature and heat, and the concept of thermodynamic equilibrium.
Syllabus
Atoms and molecules
- Kinetic theory model of the pressure of an ideal gas
- Boltzmann factor
- Definition of absolute temperature
- Equation of state of an ideal gas
- Internal energy and the classical equipartition theorem
- Heat capacity
- Thermal equilibrium and thermal radiation
- Thermal conduction, diffusion, viscosity
- The mean free path
- Interatomic forces
- Young’ modulus and bulk modulus
- Thermal expansivity
- 1st Law of Thermodynamics Work, heat and internal energy.
Reversible and irreversible processes
- Calculation of reversible work and heat transfer
- Ideal gases
- Isothermal, isochoric and isobaric processes
- Specific heat capacities
- CP and CV Heat engines,
- Heat pumps and refrigerators
- 2nd Law of Thermodynamics
- Alternative equivalent statements of the 2nd Law Efficiency of heat engines
- Carnot’s Theorem
- The concept of entropy from thermodynamic and statistical viewpoints
- Irreversible processes
- The principle of increase of entropy
- Calculation of entropy changes direction of spontaneous processes
- Thermodynamic potentials and the concept of free energy.
Learning and Teaching
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Completion of assessment task | 13 |
| Lecture | 36 |
| Revision | 10 |
| Wider reading or practice | 43 |
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 18 |
| Follow-up work | 18 |
| Tutorial | 12 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
S Blundell and K Blundell (2006). Concepts in Thermal Physics. Oxford University Press.
C J Adkins (1984). Equilibrium Thermodynamics. Cambridge University Press.
Assessment
Assessment strategy
Course work worth 20% of the module mark will be set and assessed in the normal way. In the event that a course work is missed, students will be required to go through the Special Considerations procedures in order to request mitigation for that piece of course work. Please note that documentary evidence will normally be required before these can be considered.
A Mid-Semester test will be set approximately half way through the semester worth 10% of the module mark.
The final exam is worth 70% of the module mark.
Referral Method: By examination, the final mark will be calculated both with and without the coursework assessment mark carried forward, and the higher result taken.
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Weekly Online Problem sets | 20% |
| Mid-Semester Test | 10% |
| Examination | 70% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Examination | 70% |
| Coursework marks carried forward | 30% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Examination | 70% |
| Coursework marks carried forward | 30% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External