This course introduces the theoretical framework of statistical mechanics and applications to novel physical systems. Principle of equal equilibrium probability; Boltzmann and Gibbs entropy; configurational entropy and defects. Microcanonical, canonical and grand canonical ensembles; harmonic oscillator and paramagnetic salt; negative temperature. Fluctuations in energy, particle number and volume; critical opalescence. Classical and quantum systems - indistinguishability; equipartition theorem; grand partition function, Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein statistics; quantum to classical crossover; chemical equilibrium and Langmuir isotherm. Ideal Bose gas and Bose-Einstein condensation; quantum liquids; black-body radiation; phonons and Debye model; ideal fermi gas; normal modes and elementary excitations. Classical liquids - radial distribution function, internal energy and equation of state; virial expansion.
| AUs | 4.0 AUs |
| Grade Type | |
| Prerequisite | PAP311, PAP321 |
| Not Available To Programme | |
| Not Available To All Programme With | (Admyr 2011-onwards) |
| Not Available As BDE/UE To Programme | |
| Not Available As Core To Programme | |
| Not Available As PE To Programme | |
| Mutually Exclusive With | PH4501 |
| Not Offered As BDE | Yes |
| Not Offered As Unrestricted Elective | |
| Exam |
Available Indexes
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 930 | |||||
| 1000 | |||||
| 1030 | |||||
| 1100 | |||||
| 1130 | |||||
| 1200 | |||||
| 1230 | |||||
| 1300 | |||||
| 1330 | |||||
| 1400 | |||||
| 1430 | |||||
| 1500 | |||||
| 1530 | |||||
| 1600 | |||||
| 1630 | |||||
| 1700 | |||||
| 1730 | |||||
| 1800 |