Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title Statistical Physics
Code PHYS393
Coordinator Professor RKM Herzberg
Physics
R.Herzberg@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2021-22 Level 6 FHEQ First Semester 7.5

Aims

• To build on material presented in earlier Thermal Physics and Quantum Mechanics courses
• To develop the statistical treatment of quantum systems
• To use theoretical techniques to predict experimental observables
• To introduce the basic principles governing the behaviour of liquid helium and superconductors in cooling techniques


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Understanding of the statistical basis of entropy and temperature

(LO2) Ability to devise expressions for observables, (heat capacity, magnetisation) from statistical treatment of quantum systems

(LO3) Understanding of Maxwell Boltzmann, Fermi-Dirac and Bose Einstein gases


Syllabus

 

• Basic ideas, macrostate, microstates, averaging, distributions, statistical entropy
• Distinguishable particles, statistical definition of temperature
• Boltzmann distribution, partition function
• Calculation of thermodynamic functions
• Spin 1/2 solid, localised harmonic oscillators
• Gases
• States in boxes, example He gas
• Identical particles - fermions and bosons
• Microstates for gas - Fermi Dirac, Bose Einstein, Maxwell Boltzmann distributions
• Maxwell Boltzmann gases - speed distribution
• Diatomic gases - heat capacity. Heat capacity of H2.
• Fermi Dirac gases. Application to metals, He3.
• Bose Einstein gases. Application to He4, photons, phonons


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Lecture – 16 x 1 hour
Tutorials – small group teaching of problems 2 x 1 hour


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 16

  2

      18
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 55
TOTAL HOURS 73

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Exam There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) : Semester 1  120 minutes    80       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
5 questions      20       

Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.