Following a brief introduction to basic probability concepts the course applies statistical ideas to systems of particles in equilibrium so as to develop the basic notions of statistical mechanics. Macroscopic and microscopic aspects are discussed and illustrated in detail. Topics covered include partition functions, specific heats of molecules, effusion, quantum statistics of ideal gases, systems of interacting particles and chemical equilibrium. Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hoursPrerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): PHYS 383.
Following a brief introduction to basic probability concepts the course applies statistical ideas to systems of particles in equilibrium so as to develop the basic notions of statistical mechanics. Macroscopic and microscopic aspects are discussed and illustrated in detail. Topics covered include partition functions, specific heats of molecules, effusion, quantum statistics of ideal gases, systems of interacting particles and chemical equilibrium. Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hoursPrerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): PHYS 383.
