Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics

Course guarantor:

Igor Jex

Lecturer:

Igor Jex, Jaroslav Novotný

Tutor:

Antonín Hoskovec, Jaroslav Novotný, Stanislav Skoupý, Daniel Štěrba

Supervisor:

Department of Physics

Synopsis:

Foundation of thermodynamics and statistical physics. Thermodynamic potential, the Joule Thomson effect,conditions of equilibrium, the Braun-Le Chatelier principle. Statistical entropy. Basics of many body descriptionfrom a statistical point of view (classical and quasiclassical regime within the frame of a canonical and grand-canonical ensemble, Fermi gas, models of crystals and the black body radiation). The Boltzmann equation is usedto discusses simple transport phenomena.

Requirements:

Requirements for Earning Course Credit:

1) Class Participation: Active engagement at the board is expected.

2) Attendance: A maximum of two unexcused absences is permitted. Additional absences will be considered on an individual basis.

3) Credit Tests: Two in-term tests will be administered, each worth up to 4 points. To receive credit, students must achieve a minimum total of 5 points across both tests. In cases of serious circumstances (e.g., illness), a make-up test may be arranged. Students who do not reach the required 5 points but have earned at least 1 point are entitled to a maximum of two retake tests. Retake tests cover material from the entire semesters exercises. Scores from all tests (including retakes) are cumulative. However, with each retake, the minimum threshold for passing increases by 1 point (e.g., after one retake, a total of 6 points is required).

Syllabus of lectures:

1. Statistical entropy, the most probable distribution

2. Statistical ensembles

3. Thermodynamic potentials

4. Equilibrium conditions

5. The phase rule, phase transitions

6. Thermodynamic inequalities, Braun-Le Chatelier principle

7. Statistical description and the thermodynamics of the ideal gas

8. Fermi-Dirac, Bose-Einstein statistics

9. Heat capacity of crystals

10. Black body radiation

11. Boltzmanns transport equation

12. Boltzmanns H-theorem, transport phenomena

Syllabus of tutorials:

Solving exercises on the following topics

1.Statistical entropy, the most probable distribution

2.Statistical ensembles

3.Thermodynamic potentials

4.Equilibrium conditions

5.The phase rule, phase transitions

6.Thermodynamic inequalities, Braun-Le Chatelier principle

7.Statistical description and the thermodynamics of the ideal gas

8.Fermi-Dirac, Bose-Einstein statistics

9.Heat capacity of crystals

10.Black body radiation

11.Boltzmann transport equation

12.Boltzmann H-theorem, transport phenomena

Study Objective:

Knowledge:

learn basic concepts of thermodynamics and statictical physics

Skills:

solve elementary problems of statistical physics and thermodynamics

Study materials:

Key references:

[1] R.H. Swendsen, An Introduction to Statistical Mechanics and Thermodynamics, Oxford Graduate Texts, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2012

[2] P. Olla, An Introduction to Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics, Springer, 2016.

Recommended references:

[3] D.V. Schroeder, Introduction to Thermal Physics, Pearson Education Ltd. 2013

[4] H. B. Callen, Thermodynamics and an introduction to thermostatics, Wiley, New York, 1985

Note:

Time-table for winter semester 2025/2026:

Time-table is not available yet

Time-table for summer semester 2025/2026:

Time-table is not available yet

The course is a part of the following study plans:

• Fyzikální inženýrství - Počítačová fyzika (PS)
• Aplikované matematicko-stochastické metody (compulsory elective course)
• Jaderné inženýrství - Aplikovaná fyzika ionizujícího záření (PS)
• Fyzikální inženýrství - Fyzikální inženýrství materiálů (PS)
• Fyzikální inženýrství - Fyzika plazmatu a termojaderné fúze (PS)
• Fyzikální inženýrství - Inženýrství pevných látek (PS)
• Jaderná a částicová fyzika (compulsory course in the program)
• Jaderné inženýrství - Jaderné reaktory (PS)
• Fyzikální inženýrství - Laserová technika a fotonika (PS)
• Matematické inženýrství - Matematická fyzika (PS)
• Matematické inženýrství - Matematické modelování (PS)
• Kvantové technologie (compulsory course in the program)
• jaderné inženýrství - Radioaktivita v životním prostředí (elective course)
• Physical Engineering - Physical Engineering od Materials (PS)