Thermodynamics & Kinetic Theory

Course Description

Thermodynamic systems; pressure and temperature; ideal gas laws; heat, work and energy; entropy; kinetic theory. Prereq.: PHYS-206 and MATH-202 or consent of instructor. 3.0 Credits

Required Textbook

D.V. Schroeder, An Introduction to Thermal Physics, (Benjamin Cummings, 2000).

Other Thermal Physics Texts:

• C.J. Adkins, Equilibrium Thermodynamics, 3^rd Edition, (Cambridge, 1983).
• R. Baierlein, Thermal Physics, (Cambridge, 1999).
• A. Carter, Classical and Statistical Thermodynamics, (Prentice Hall, 2001).
• C. Kittel & H. Kroemer, Thermal Physics, (Freeman, 1980) .
• L.D. Landau & E.M. Lifshitz, Statistical Physics, (Oxford, 1983).
• F. Mandl, Statistical Physics, (Wiley, 1989).
• F. Reif, Fundamentals of Statistical and Thermal Physics, (McGraw-Hill, 1965).
• F. Sears and G. Salinger, Thermodynamics, Kinetic Theory, and Statistical Thermodynamics, (Benjamin Cummings, 1975).
• K. Stowe, Introduction to Statistical Mechancis and Thermodynamics, (Wiley, 1983).

Other Useful References:

• Daniel Zwillinger, CRC Standard Mathematical Tables and Formulae, (CRS Press).
• I.S. Gradshteyn & I.M. Ryzhik, Tables of Integrals, Series and Products, (Academic Press).

Lectures

SEC 31, MW at 7:05 PM - 8:20 PM, in SCI-233

Problem Sets

Weekly problem sets are assigned here. Problem sets should be completed by Monday of the following week. You are required to bring the previous weeks problem set to class every Monday (unless there is a midterm exam). These problem sets will be collected in weeks were a quiz is not given. When problem sets are collected, a random problem will selected to take the place of a quiz. You are strongly encouraged to work with your classmates on problem sets, however the work on your individual problem set should be your own. You are expected to be able to work the problems without the aid of the solutions. At times, solutions may be provided so that you can check your work after you have completed the problem sets. Problem set assignments and solutions (if available) can be found here.

Quizzes

Short quizzes are administered during class each week.. Every Wednesday, either a quiz will be given or problem sets will be collected (with the exception of the first week of class and weeks where there is a midterm). Quizzes are based on the previous week's problem set and material from the previous weeks lecture. The two lowest quiz (or problem set) grades will be dropped. Missed quizzes and absent problem sets are counted as zero. There will be no quiz make-ups.

Exams

This course has two in class midterm exams and a two-hour final. The exams are largely based on material from lectures and problems similar to those found in the weekly assignments. Exam policies can be found here.

Grading

The final grade will be based on:
Two midterms (1/5) + (1/5) + [Quizzes,problem sets] (1/5) + Final (2/5)

Any student who achieves a percentile score of above 90%, 80%, 70%, 60% is guaranteed to receive an A, B, C, or D respectively. These percentile scores may be adjusted downwards based on a class curve and other considerations.

Office Hours

Posted here and by appointment, S-217D SCI.

Academic Integrity

The NEIU policy on academic integrity can be found here.