PHYS1013 Energy and Matter

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.

Resources & Reading list

S Blundell and K Blundell (2006). Concepts in Thermal Physics. 

C J Adkins (1984). Equilibrium Thermodynamics. 

Assessment Strategy

Weekly course work will be set and assessed in the normal way, but only the best ‘n-2’ attempts will contribute to the final coursework mark. Here n is the number of course work items issued during that Semester. As an example, if you are set 10 sets of course work across a Semester, the best 8 of those will be counted.In an instance where a student may miss submitting one or two sets of course work, those sets will not be counted. Students will however, still be required to submit Self Certification forms on time for all excused absences, as you may ultimately end up missing 3+ sets of course work through illness, for example. The submitted Self Certification forms may be considered as evidence for potential Special Considerations requests. In the event that a third (or higher) set of course work is missed, students will be required to go through the Special Considerations procedures in order to request mitigation for that set. Please note that documentary evidence will normally be required before these can be considered.

Summative

Repeat

Referral

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External