Heat and Molecular Physics

Course guarantor:

Filip Petrásek

Lecturer:

Filip Petrásek

Tutor:

Filip Petrásek

Supervisor:

Department of Physics

Synopsis:

Heat propagation, calorimetry, the zeroth law of thermodynamics, thermal expansion and expansivity, one-dimensional steady-state heat conduction, heat transfer, Fouriers law, heat equation, radial part of the Laplace operator, differential forms, Jacobian method, first law of thermodynamics, homogeneous chemical system, ideal gas, processes in an ideal gas, second law of thermodynamics, thermal efficiency, Carnot heat engine, Carnots theorem I, absolute temperature, Carnots theorem II, entropy, ideal gas entropy, Gibbs paradox, thermodynamic potentials, Maxwells relations, real gas models, the Joule-Thomson experiment, Maxwell velocity distribution, thermodynamics of non-chemical systems, the third law of thermodynamics.

Requirements:

1. Regular attendance at exercises with a maximum of 2 unexcused absences.

2. Two assessment tests during the semester and one comprehensive remedial assessment test at the beginning of the exam period. Assessment is awarded for at least 4 points out of 8, or 5 points out of 12 after the retake test.

3. The exam includes 2 theoretical questions, with the final grade being a weighted average of the grade from the oral theoretical part and the grade from the assessment tests during the semester.

Syllabus of lectures:

1. Basics of Thermal Phenomena

2. Simple Heat Conduction

3. General Heat Conduction

4. Differential Forms

5. Jacobian Method

6. First Law of Thermodynamics

7. Second Law of Thermodynamics

8. Entropy

9. Thermodynamic Potentials and Identities

10. Real Gas Models

11. Joule-Thomson Experiment

12. Statistical Description of Ideal Gas

13. Non-Chemical Systems and Third Law of Thermodynamics

Syllabus of tutorials:

1. Basics of Thermal Phenomena

2. Simple Heat Conduction

3. General Heat Conduction

4. Differential Forms

5. Jacobian Method

6. First Law of Thermodynamics

7. Second Law of Thermodynamics

8. Entropy

9. Thermodynamic Potentials and Identities

10. Real Gas Models

11. Joule-Thomson Experiment

12. Statistical Description of Ideal Gas

13. Non-Chemical Systems and Third Law of Thermodynamics

Study Objective:

Knowledge: understanding of basic thermal phenomena and processes occurring in chemical and selected non-chemical thermodynamic systems.

Skills: application of the mathematical and conceptual tools of thermodynamics to specific examples from physics and engineering practice.

Study materials:

Required references:

1. F. Petrásek. Tutorial Guide: Heat and Molecular Physics, 2026.

Recommended references:

2. Z. Maršák, E. Havránková. Sbírka řešených příkladů z fyziky: Termika a molekulová fyzika, ČVUT v Praze, 2000.

3. S. J. Blundell, K. E. Blundell. Concepts of Thermal Physics, Oxford, 2010.

4. W. Greiner, L. Neise, H. Stöcker. Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics, Springer-Verlag, 1997.

5. Y-K. Lim. Problems and Solutions on Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics, World Scientific, 1990.

6. K. Huang. Statistical Physics, Wiley, 1987.

7. F. Reif. Fundamentals of Statistical and Thermal Physics, McGraw-Hill, 1965.

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:

• Physical Engineering - Computational physics (PS)
• Quantum Technologies (compulsory course in the program)
• Nuclear and Particle Physics (compulsory course in the program)
• Mathematical Engineering - Mathematical Physics (PS)
• Physical Engineering - Plasma Physics and Thermonuclear Fusion (PS)
• Mathematical Engineering - Mathematical Modelling (PS)
• Mathematical Engineering - Mathematical Informatics (elective course)
• Physical Engineering - Solid State Engineering (PS)
• Physical Engineering - Laser Technology and Photonics (PS)