Aim. This is a first course in thermal physics. It covers most of the major topics in classical equilibrium thermodynamics, including thermodynamic variables, the postulates of equilibrium thermodynamics, the fundamental equation and equations of state, heat capacities and generalized susceptibilities, thermodynamic cycles, thermodynamic potentials, Maxwell relations, stability, and phase transitions. Equilibrium thermodynamics is probably the most general and widely applicable of all branches of physics. Although it is no longer a major area of research in itself, this important subject underlies many areas at the forefront of science and engineering. Some applications will be described in PHY 3513, while many more will be discussed in PHY 4523 (Statistical Physics), which covers the microscopic basis of thermodynamics. Organization. The course will be loosely divided into three parts:
Math Requirements. This course will require proficiency in (a) high-school algebra, (b) differentiation and integration of functions of one variable, (c) partial differentiation of multivariate functions, and (d) solution of simple differential equations. Topics (c) and (d) will provide the greatest challenge to most students, and time will be devoted in class to these topics during Parts 2 and 3 of the course. Homework. Problem-solving is integral to mastering any area of physics. Most weeks you will be assigned problems to be turned in the following week. You will also be recommended to attempt other problems from the text. You should make a good-faith attempt to tackle the problems on your own. However, do not spend an inordinate amount of time on any one problem. If you get stuck, feel free to discuss your conceptual or technical difficulties with other students or with the instructor. Constructive collaboration is encouraged. The homework will account for 40% of your overall score on PHY 3513. This weighting is designed in part to encourage you to keep up with the course. For this reason, assignments turned in late will be subject to a significant penalty. You will lose 25% of your score for work turned in up to the first class meeting after the due date, after which time a 50% deduction will apply. (Each student will receive a waiver of the preceding penalties for one assignment during the semester.) No credit will be awarded for homework submitted after the solution has been distributed to the class. Exams. There will be three 2-hour exams: two mid-terms and a final. The exams will not merely require memorization and regurgitation of material covered in lectures and homework. The emphasis will be on application of concepts and methods to fairly straightforward problems, some of which may deal with unfamiliar situations. Formula sheets or textbooks will be allowed; details will be announced nearer the time. In the event of a documented conflict with another event, it may be possible to take an exam shortly before or after its scheduled time. Make-up exams will be offered only for serious medical conditions or University-approved absences supported in writing by the appropriate professional. Any request for a special exam sitting or a make-up must be made a week ahead for any scheduled absence, and as soon as reasonably possible after an unforeseen absence. Grade. Your grade will be assigned on the basis of an overall score, derived as follows:
Schedule. The schedule which follows is provided for guidance only. It is your responsibility to be aware of any changes announced in class. (Important announcements will also be posted on the course Web pages.) Below, "HRW" refers to the optional text by Halliday, Resnick and Walker.
Kevin Ingersent / ingersent@phys.ufl.edu / Last modified: Aug 21, 2000. |