| CODE | PHY1195 | ||||||
| TITLE | Thermodynamics | ||||||
| UM LEVEL | 01 - Year 1 in Modular Undergraduate Course | ||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 5 | ||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 4 | ||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Physics | ||||||
| DESCRIPTION | The Zeroth, First and Second Laws of Thermodynamics will be discussed. Additionally, and in the context of the First Law, concepts of thermal equilibrium and temperature, thermometers and temperature scales, thermodynamic equilibrium, equations of state and their graphical representation for a hydrostatic system, and the work done by thermodynamic systems (ideal gas, in particular), will be discussed. Cyclic thermodynamic processes (Carnot cycle, in particular) and the concept of entropy will be introduced as a preamble to the Second Law. The equivalence of different statements of the latter will form an integral part of the course. The mathematical form of the First and Second Laws will be used extensively. A case in point is the derivation of the Tds equations. The course will conclude with a discussion of the Gay-Lussac-Joule and Joule-Thomson experiments. Study-unit Aims: The main objective of the study-unit is to introduce the students to the basic laws of thermodynamics and apply them to thermodynamic systems notably a gas (as an example of a hydrostatic system). Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: a) make use of the basic laws of thermodynamics, through applications and problem solving; b) recognise and tackle problems whose solution is facilitated by the application of the basic laws of thermodynamics; c) appreciate the importance of specific mathematical tools e.g. partial differentiation and calculus in general, etc, in solving problems. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: a) solve problems of a thermodynamic nature using powerful mathematical techniques e.g. calculus; b) persevere in solving relatively difficult theoretical problems; c) appreciate how one area of physics can contribute to the understanding of another e.g. thermodynamics has strong affinity with kinetic theory and statistical mechanics. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: The students following the course will be provided with a comprehensive set of course notes, problem sheets with complete solutions and at least two past examination papers with complete model answers. All the course material is prepared by the course convenor, and will be made available online through the VLE for the study-unit. Main Textbook: F W Sears and G L Salinger, Thermodynamics, Kinetic Theory and Statistical Thermodynamics. Addison Wesley. ISBN-13: 978-0201068948. (for explanations and problems) Supplementary Reading: S B Cahn, G D Mahan, M Dresden and B E Nadgorny, A Guide to Physics Problems - Part 2: Thermodynamics, Statistical Physics and Quantum Mechanics. Springer. ISBN-13: 978-0306452918. (for problems) The Physics Coaching Class, University of Science and Technology of China (Compiler) and Yung-Kuo Lim (Editor), Problems and Solutions on Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics (Major American Universities Ph.D. Qualifying Questions and Solutions). World Scientific Publishing Company. ISBN-13: 978-9810200565. (for problems) |
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| ADDITIONAL NOTES | Pre-requisite Qualifications: Matriculation/Advanced Level Physics | ||||||
| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture and Tutorial | ||||||
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| LECTURER/S | Alfred Micallef |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2023/4. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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