"There are four laws (of thermodynamics). The third of them, the Second Law, was recognized first. The first, the Zeroth Law, was formulated last. The First Law was second. The Third Law might not even be a law in the same sense as the others." - P.W. Atkins
Academic Honesty |
Academic Learning Compact (ALC) |
Attendance |
Auditing |
Calendar |
Canvas
Catalog Description |
Class Times |
Complexity
of syllabus |
Copyright |
Counseling Services |
Disabilities (Accommodations)
Evaluations |
Exam Dates |
Final Examination |
Goals |
Grading |
Homework |
Instructor |
Make-ups |
Meeting times
Missing Class |
Privacy |
Professional Behavior |
Quizzes |
Religious Holidays |
Schedule |
Textbook
If you choose to take this course, you should plan to spend a
significant amount of time doing homework, as the only way to
learn physics is to work a large number of homework problems. The most
common reason that some students do poorly in a physics course is a
failure to engage seriously with the homework and learn to solve each
assigned problem. Do not be surprised if the homework assignments take
up a fair amount of your time. If you don't have time to do homework
then you should not be taking this course.
Fluency in algebra and calculus (I, II,
III) is essential as these tools are used extensively in this
course. During the first week you will be asked to complete a
mathematical self assessment to ensure that
you have the math skills that you will need.
Credits: 3; Coreq: PHY 2049 or the equivalent.
First part of the PHY 3513/4523 sequence that includes treatment of classical thermodynamics, including fundamental postulates, entropy and equations of states; thermodynamic equilibrium and potentials; Maxwell relations and phase transitions. (P)
The mathematics prerequisite is important: Algebra, trigonometry,
and calculus (I, II, III) will be used extensively in this course.
Prof. Steve Hagen
Office: 2362 NPB
Email: sjhagen (at) ufl.edu
Office hours change from
week to week. If you cannot make this week's scheduled hours you
are welcome to contact me and make an appointment.
MWF 7th period (1:55 - 2:45 pm)
Room 1101 NPB
(Physics Building at Museum Rd and Lemerand Dr)
This is the first course in a two-semester series (PHY3513 + PHY4523) in thermal physics, which is the study of general properties of heat, work and energy. The topic can be divided roughly into three parts: kinetic theory, thermodynamics and statistical physics. PHY3513 focuses on the first two (kinetic theory and thermodynamics), while PHY4523 focuses on statistical mechanics. The goals of this course are to introduce basic concepts in the kinetic theory of ideal gases (such as the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution) and then to develop the fundamental laws of thermodynamics and their applications. These ideas define in a precise and universal way some of the most basic attributes of matter and energy. They include the concepts of thermodynamic equilibrium, efficiency, reversibility and irreversibility, temperature, entropy, state equations, thermodynamic free energy, phase transitions and more. Historically, these ideas arose out of the study of engines (steam engines) during the industrial revolution - before the nature of atoms and molecules was even understood! However the principles of thermodynamics are fundamental to all of the natural sciences and engineering, from biochemistry to astrophysics. A proper understanding of thermodynamics is especially important for any student who wishes to pursue advanced study in any physical science or engineering field.
There are lots of good thermal physics textbooks. You need to understand that thermal physics spans a few areas - thermodynamics, kinetic theory, and statistical physics - and that different books stress different areas, or they attempt to integrate all three areas. Our course focuses on thermodynamics and kinetic theory, which means that other textbooks (although useful) may not always cover the same material that we wish to cover in PHY3513. (Statistical physics is the topic of PHY4523.) We call Blundell2 the required textbook so as to define the scope of this course and its intellectual content, to create a shared point of reference. Blundell2 has all the necessary content as well as some decent homework problems, all presented in a compact, readable format of short chapters. You can read one chapter in the time it takes to ride the bus to class. Everything you need is in there.
But feel free to use any book that you enjoy reading, as long as it covers the material we are covering. If Blundell2 is not working for you, take a look at these:
Obviously we follow the University of Florida academic calendar. There are several holidays in fall 2019 that affect our class: Labor Day (Mon Sep 2), Homecoming (Fri Oct 4), Veterans Day (Mon Nov 11) and Thanksgiving (Wed-Fri, Nov 27-29). Note that the official UF calendar indicates that classes will meet on the Monday (Nov 25) but not the Wednesday (Nov 27) before Thanksgiving.
The midterm and final examinations are scheduled for
Setting aside hurricanes and other schedule disruptions, we anticipate having 40 lectures in fall 2019. During that time we will cover most (not all) of chapters 1-31 of Blundell2. The approximate schedule will therefore be:
Homework (HW) will be assigned regularly. It is often helpful to work with a friend on the homework, and I
encourage you to do this if possible. But make sure that you understand
each problem and that you have written out your own solution in your own
words. Solutions to HW problems will not be provided by the instructor.
Instead you are encouraged to talk with other students, study the textbook,
ask questions in class, and come to office hours with any
problems that you have difficulty with.
HW will be collected and graded for a modest share of your course
grade. However we will have frequent
short quizzes in which I will present you with a recent HW problem,
or a question that closely resembles a recent HW problem. That will be
your opportunity to show that you understand the HW. These will not be
open-book quizzes, although you will have access to the official formula
sheet. Most quizzes will be short and unannounced.
Each quiz will be graded on a 4-point scale (0-4 pts). If you have
been coming to class and you can do the homework, you should find the
quizzes to be easy. If you are struggling on the quizzes, then it is
highly likely that you are not engaging fully with the homework.
The final course grade will be determined by
Quiz and exam grades will be provided as numerical (not
letter) scores only. The only letter grade provided will be the final
course grade. This approach minimizes roundoff errors in your final grade,
so it is ultimately more fair, even if it causes some anxiety at times.
The letter grade scale applied at the end of the semester will be subject to adjustment based on overall class performance. However the following minimum scale is assured:
This means that a student who earns 86.67% average on all graded work
(and meets other requirements described in this syllabus) is assured at
least an A-, etc.
The midterm exams are given in class. The final exam is an assembly
exam. All topics covered in the assigned reading and HW, or presented
in lecture, are fair game for the exams and quizzes. Most of the exam
questions are usually similar to previous quiz and HW questions. Most of
the quiz questions are similar to recent HW questions. Therefore, you may
potentially encounter the same problem three times during the semester:
Once as HW, once as quiz, and once on the midterm or final exam.
During the exams and quizzes you will be provided an
"official" Phy3513 formula sheet, but you may not use any other notes
or books. You may bring a calculator (but not a phone, tablet, etc.).
This course was just recently (!) provided with an assigned grader for HW
and quizzes. If your
graded work is returned to you and you have questions about the grading,
you are welcome to ask the grader to reconsider your grade. Write a brief
note explaining the issue, attach it to your paper, and give it to me.
Keep in mind that the grader may
then review any and all parts of the work, and consequently your overall
assignment grade could potentially go up or down. Also keep in mind
that the grader cannot reasonably be expected to regrade work that was submitted
in pencil (or erasable pen). If you want the option to submit work for
regrading, please write in ink. Finally, any requests for review should
be made as promptly as reasonably possible. The last day of classes is definitely
an absolute cutoff for any regrading requests.
Please plan carefully. Check the midterm and final exam
dates (see above) carefully before you make any plans to travel away from campus
during the semester. If you purchase an airline ticket to travel during
the semester, and you later realize that your travel conflicts with a
scheduled exam, you will have a problem.
Makeups for quizzes are generally unnecessary, as I will drop your
two lowest quiz scores. If however that is insufficient and you feel that
you have cause for a makeup, you will need to have a UF-approved excuse
and provide documentation. Keep in mind that you will need to document
that you were truly unable to take the quiz. For example, the fact
that you interacted with a physician, nurse, pharmacist, phlebotomist,
etc. does not by itself prove that you were too sick to attend class.
It is the policy of the University of Florida that the student, not the
instructor, is responsible for arranging accommodations when needed. The
instructor will not remind the student to schedule accommodations prior
to each quiz or exam. If you require extra time for in-class work, you
must initiate this request at least seven days before the exam or quiz.
What does "academic dishonesty" mean? As in most physics courses,
it is normal and appropriate for students in PHY3513 to work together on
homework assignments. However certain other activities are inappropriate:
these include plagiarism, fabricating data or information, falsifying
any document relevant to academic expectations, giving
or receiving any unauthorized assistance on quizzes or exams, and
interfering with the academic work of other students. These acts are
dishonest. Supplying a false or fabricated excuse for missed academic
work is also academic dishonesty.
Students are advised that the instructor may use photo or video recording
during exams or quizzes in order to document seating locations
and other goings on. If you have a concern about this, talk with
the instructor.
The Dean of Students Office website has further details on
academic honesty policies at UF.
Chapter Topic Lectures (approx) Ending date
1 Intro 2 23 Aug F
2 Heat 1 23 Aug F
3 Probability 2 30 Aug F
4 Temperature 3 9 Sep M
5 MB distrib 1 11 Sep W
6 Pressure 1 16 Sep M
7 Effusion 1 16 Sep M
8 Mean free path 1 23 Sep M
9 transport 2 27 Sep F
11 energy 1 2 Oct W
12 isothermal/adiabatic 1 7 Oct M
13 heat eng 2nd law 2 14 Oct M
14 entropy 2 21 Oct M
15 info theory 2 25 Oct F
16 thermodynamic potential 3 1 Nov F
17 rods bubbles magnets 2 6 Nov W
18 third law 1 8 Nov F
22 chemical potential 3 18 Nov M
27 cooling gases 1 22 Nov F
28 phase transitions 4 4 Dec W
≥ 90 A
≥ 86.67 A-
≥ 83.33 B+
≥ 80 B
≥ 76.67 B-
≥ 73.33 C+
≥ 70 C
≥ 66.67 C-
≥ 63.33 D+
≥ 60 D
≥ 56.67 D-
The final examination is comprehensive - it covers the
entire semester. The date and time is fixed by the UF Registrar as Group 12B - Thursday December 12 at 10:00 am - 12:00 pm. Mark your calendar.
The Instructor believes that make-ups are intrinsically
unfair. This unfairness can be mitigated (but not eliminated)
by keeping the number of make-ups to an absolute minimum.
A make-up for a missed exam will be granted only in a truly dire situation which the
student can prove satisfies UF criteria. Proper documentation of any emergency will be required.
Regular class attendance is definitely expected. Mastery of the course
material will require each student to make a sustained and consistent
investment of effort throughout the semester. Class attendance is part
of that effort. Poor attendance or frequent lateness will result in
a reduced final grade, or even a failing grade. A student who stops
participating in the class - i.e. who ceases attending class, doing
homework, communicating with the instructor, taking quizzes/exams - should
drop the course, because otherwise a failing grade is certain. No special
end-of-semester arrangements (such as make-up work, late-drop petitions,
incomplete grades, signatures on various forms, etc.) will be provided
to any student who simply disappeared for a substantial portion of the
semester. Such accommodations are only available to students who have
participated in class and kept in regular contact with the instructor
during the term.
Unfortunately the instructor cannot approve requests to audit
PHY3513. Every student must register formally and take the class for
credit.
Student academic records are confidential, under federal
law. I will not answer emailed questions about your grades or other
academic matters, unless the email comes from your UF email or Canvas
account. Parents (and others) cannot ask instructors for information on a
student's attendance, grades, performance, etc, either by phone or email.
Even your UFID is confidential.
Students who will require a classroom accommodation for a disability must
contact the Dean of Students Office and request proper documentation. Upon
bringing that documentation to the Instructor, the student will be
given the appropriate accommodations. No accommodations are available to
students who lack this documentation.
This is an upper-division, university classroom and so we
expect professional behavior from everyone. Frequent lateness,
entering and leaving the classroom during the lecture, listening to
headphones or reading the ALLIGATOR during class, texting, websurfing,
emailing during class, cellphone rings, etc. ... are all rude
and disruptive behaviors. They distract the teacher and the other
students in the classroom - a direct violation of the Student Conduct Code. In fact this
instructor believes that clasroom use of laptops, iPods, phones, tablet
computers, and virtually all other electronic devices is almost always
detrimental to student learning and attention. Please show courtesy
and respect for yourself, your colleagues, and your institution by
putting away all your electronic devices at the start of class,
and by avoiding other distracting behaviors.
All students are required to abide by the
principles of academic honesty expressed in the Student Honor Code.
Consistent with university policy, any incident of academic dishonesty
in this course will be reported to the Dean of Students Office.
No warnings and no exceptions. If the incident is the student's first offense
at UF, the student will receive a failing grade in PHY3513. If not,
the Dean of Students Office will decide the appropriate sanction.
Major religious observances will be accommodated. It is university
policy, however, that the student must inform the instructor of religious
observances that will conflict with class attendance or other activities,
prior to the class or the occurrence of that activity.
Since major religious holidays are usually based on astronomical calendars -
which (thanks to Newtonian mechanics) can be calculated hundreds of years in advance - the instructor
will expect the student to provide at least 7-14 days of advance
notice of any upcoming religious observance.
Owing to rules set forth by the State of Florida, UF physics majors
must pass a 'field test' that consists of several parts. Click
here for details. Part of that field test is an assessment of
your understanding of PHY3513. Therefore we are required to give
a standardized test toward the end of the semester to ensure that every
student has mastered the content of this course. The test will be
given during the last class meeting of the semester.
Please be sure to attend. This is not the same as the
final examination.
Students are expected to provide professional and respectful feedback on the quality of instruction in this course by completing course evaluations online via GatorEvals. Guidance on how to give feedback in a professional and respectful manner is available at https://gatorevals.aa.ufl.edu/students/. Students will be notified when the evaluation period opens, and can complete evaluations through the email they receive from GatorEvals, in their Canvas course menu under GatorEvals, or via https://ufl.bluera.com/ufl/. Summaries of course evaluation results are available to students at https://gatorevals.aa.ufl.edu/public-results/
University life can be stressful. If you are feeling overwhelmed by the demands of your semester please make use of the UF Counseling and Wellness Center.
The instructor may use photo or video recording of exams and quizzes
for the purpose of promoting academic honesty. However it is
UF policy that students may not make unauthorized recordings: "A Student must not, without express authorization from Faculty, make or receive any Recording, through any means over any medium, of any academic activity, including but not limited to a Recording of any class or of any meeting with Faculty."
Also note that the textbook, homework questions, and written homework
solutions are the intellectual property of the textbook author and
publisher and others. Therefore, permission to redistribute, reuse, recycle,
share, upload, copy, buy, sell etc. any course materials in any form
is denied. Period. This means for example that it is illegal
to copy or upload homework solutions or classroom audio/video to any
website or distribute them to any third party for any purpose.