| PHYS4031 Statistical Mechanics | |
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This course provides an introduction to equilibrium statistical mechanics of classical and quantum systems via the theory of ensembles. Topics include: thermodynamic potentials, review on microcanonical ensemble, canonical ensemble, open systems and grand canonical ensemble, Bose-Einstein and Fermi-Dirac statistics and their applications, properties of ideal quantum gases. Elementary thermodynamics and statistical physics of phase transformation and transport phenomena will also be discussed. Students are advised to take PHYS3031 or its equivalents before taking this course. Pre-requisite: PHYS2041 and 2051.
Prof. Xinhui Lu
Office: SC G11, Tel: 3943 6350, Email: xinhui.lu@cuhk.edu.hk
Consultation Hour: Stop by any time or make an appointment via E-mail
Mr. Chan Pok Fung (Sunny)
Office: SC 351, Email: pokfung@link.cuhk.edu.hk
Consultation Hour: Wednesday 10:30 - 12:15
Mr. Yip Chun Ming (Ivan)
Office: SC 315, Email: cmyip@phy.cuhk.edu.hk
Consultation Hour: Monday 10:30 - 12:15
Lecture:
Tuesday 12:30 - 14:15 (Science Centre L3)
Thursday 9:30 - 10:15 (Science Centre L3)
Tutorial:
Thursday 10:30 - 11:15 (Science Centre L3)
Monday 09:30 - 10:15 (Basic Med Sci Bldg Rm2)
Monday 13:30 - 14:15 (Basic Med Sci Bldg Rm2)
See reference.
***Statistical Mechanics***
F. Reif, Fundamental of Statistical and Thermal Physics, (Waveland Press, 2009). [QC175.R43]
C. Kittel and H. Kroemer, Thermal physics, 2nd ed. (WH Freeman, 1980). [QC311.5.K52]
D. Yoshioka, Statistical Physics: An Introduction (Springer 2007).[Ebook available at CU library]
S. Blundell and K. Blundell, Concepts in Thermal Physics. (Oxford 2006). [Ebook available at CU library]
R. Pathria, Statistical Mechanics, 3rd ed. (ELSEVIER 2011). [Ebook available at CU library]
***Thermodynamics***
Zemansky, Mark Waldo,Heat and thermodynamics: an intermediate textbook.(McGrawHill, 1981) [TJ265.K7613]
***Mathematical Methods***
K.F. Riley, M.P. Hobson, S.J. Bence, "Mathematical Methods for Physics and Engineering" (2nd edition) (Cambridge Univ. Press 2002). [QA300.R495 2002]
Homework 30% Mid-term Test 30% Final Exam 40%
Please check the Blackboard system for details
1. Introduction
2. Review of Classical Thermodynamics
3. Probability Theory
4. Ensemble Theory - Microcanonical Ensemble, Canonical Ensemble, Grand Canonical Ensemble
5. Applications of Canonical Ensemble
6. Quantum Statistics - Fermi-Dirac, Bose-Einstein, Maxwell-Boltzmann Distribution
7. Ideal Quantum Gases - Ideal Fermi Gas and Ideal Bose Gas
8. Systems with Interacting Particles