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Statistical Physics: Course Outline

Statistical physics is a branch of physics that uses methods of probability theory and statistics, and particularly the mathematical tools for dealing with large populations and approximations, in solving physical problems.

Course Outline

  • Introduction to statistical methods.
  • Elementary statistical concepts and examples.
  • The simple random walk problem in one dimension.
  • General discussion of mean values.
  • Calculation of mean values for the random walk problem.
  • probability distribution for large N,
  • Gaussian probability distributions.
  • Probability distribution for large N.
  • Statistical formulation of the mechanical problem.
  • Specification of the state of a system.
  • Statistical ensemble.
  • Basic postulates.
  • Probability calculations.
  • Behavior of the density of states.
  • Thermal interaction.
  • mechanical interaction.
  • General interaction.
  • Quasi-static process.
  • Quasi-static work done by pressure.
  • Exact and inexact differentials.
  • Statistical thermodynamics.
  • Equilibrium conditions and constraints.
  • Reversible and irreversible process.
  • Distribution of energy between systems in equilibrium.
  • The approach to thermal equilibrium.
  • Temperature,

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Course Outline

  • Heat reservoirs.
  • Sharpness of the probability distribution.
  • Dependence of the density of states on the external parameters,
  • Equilibrium between interacting systems,
  • properties of the entropy,
  • Thermodynamics laws and basic statistical relations and Statistical calculation of thermodynamic quantities.
  • Macroscopic parameters and their measurement:
  • Work and internal energy,
  • Heat,
  • Absolute temperature,
  • Heat capacity and specific heat,
  • Entropy,
  • Consequences of the absolute definition of entropy and Extensive and intensive parameters.
  • Simple applications of macroscopic thermodynamics:
  • Equation of state and internal energy,
  • Specific heats,
  • Adiabatic expansion or compression,
  • Entropy,
  • Derivation of general relations,
  • Summary of Maxwell’s relations and thermodynamics functions,
  • Specific heats,
  • Entropy and internal energy,
  • Free expansion of a gas,
  • Throttling process,
  • Heat engines and refrigerators.