Course Description
Thermodynamics is the branch of physics which deals with changes occurring in temperature or physical state (solid, liquid or gas) of a system due to energy transfers. The aim of such a study is to explain the bulk properties of matter and the correlation between these and the mechanics of atoms and molecules (microscopic picture of matter). However, when a system consists of a large number of molecules, it is often difficult to predict bulk properties using the microscopic picture. In such situations, techniques of Statistical Mechanics are employed, which deals with obtaining the most probable manner in which a given energy of the system is distributed among the various molecules. As examples of application of statistical mechanics, we study the black body radiation, stimulated emission of radiation, specific heat of solids, and free electrons in metals. Laboratory experiments are designed to augment theoretical knowledge gained in the lectures and also develop skills in handling advanced equipment.
Thermodynamics is the branch of physics which deals with changes occurring in temperature or physical state (solid, liquid or gas) of a system due to energy transfers. The aim of such a study is to explain the bulk properties of matter and the correlation between these and the mechanics of atoms and molecules (microscopic picture of matter). However, when a system consists of a large number of molecules, it is often difficult to predict bulk properties using the microscopic picture. In such situations, techniques of Statistical Mechanics are employed, which deals with obtaining the most probable manner in which a given energy of the system is distributed among the various molecules. As examples of application of statistical mechanics, we study the black body radiation, stimulated emission of radiation, specific heat of solids, and free electrons in metals. Laboratory experiments are designed to augment theoretical knowledge gained in the lectures and also develop skills in handling advanced equipment.
- Teacher: Kunal Dayal