8.044 | Spring 2013 | Undergraduate

Statistical Physics I

Calendar

LEC # TOPICS KEY DATES
1  Probability: 1 Random Variable  
2  Probability: 2 or More Random Variables  
3  Probability: Functions of a Random Variable Problem set 1 due
4  Probability: Sums of RVs and Central Limit Theorem  
5  Thermodynamic Variables and State Functions Problem set 2 due
6  The First Law and Paths  
7  Statistical Mechanics and the Microcanonical Ensemble Problem set 3 due
8  Entropy, Temperature, and the Second Law  
9  Entropy as a Thermodynamic Variable Problem set 4 due
10  Maxwell Relations and Thermodynamic Potentials Problem set 5 due
Exam 1
11  Heat Engines and Carnot Cycles  
12  Derivation of the Canonical Ensemble Problem set 6 due
13  Examples Using the Canonical Ensemble  
14  Polyatomic Gases Problem set 7 due
15  Black Body Radiation  
16  Paramagnets Problem set 8 due
17  Quantum States of Many-particle Systems Problem set 9 due
18  Chemical Potential and Grand Canonical Ensemble  
Exam 2
19  Density of States and Free Fermi Gas  
20  Stellar Configurations and White Dwarfs Problem set 10 due
21  Interesting and Counter-Intuitive Examples  
22  Bose-Einstein Condensation Problem set 11 due
Final Exam

Course Info

Departments
As Taught In
Spring 2013
Learning Resource Types
Problem Sets with Solutions
Exams with Solutions
Lecture Notes