STATISTICAL
MECHANICS (PHY 330.001)-Fall Semester,
2002
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Text:
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Statistical Physics, 2nd
ed., F. Mandl, Wiley (ISBN 0 471 91533
5)
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Class meets at:
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12:15-1:30 TR, Willet Science Center (WSC) Room 106
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Prerequisites:
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MATH 293 and 330, PHY 162
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Instructor:
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Dr. Randall D. Peters
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Office:
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WSC Room 115, Office phone: 301-2747 (home phone: 745-6963)
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Office hours:
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MWF 8:30-9:00, 2:00-2:30, TR 8:30-9:30, or by appointment.
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e-mail:
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peters_rd@mercer.edu
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personal homepage:
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http://physics.mercer.edu/petepag/nonlin.htm
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physics department homepage:
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http://physics.mercer.edu
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Concerned with both classical and quantum concepts of thermal physics, the
first material to be covered in this class will be foundation principles
of thermodynamics and probability. Classical material will include
an introduction to the kinetic theory of gases, developed by Maxwell and
Boltzmann.
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Entropy will be introduced through the ideal gas law and subsequently as
defined by Boltzmann. Students will learn the importance of quantum physics
in determining system characteristics, according to particle type. Cases
to which theory will be applied include: heat engines and refrigerators;
magnetic systems, especially paramagnetic types; real gases; black-body
radiation; electronic properties of metals; and recent experiments with Bose
condensates.
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Expectations -- Through this course, students will:
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Understand the laws of thermodynamics.
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Learn how to use the equipartition theorem.
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Appreciate fluctuation phenomena and their influence according to scale.
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Recognize some of the limitations of idealized models.
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Describe some phenomena where nonlinearity is key to understanding, such
as thermal expansion.
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Learn the importance of quantum mechanics to a host of system properties.
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Understand why and how heat capacity varies with temperature (through theories
of Einstein and Debye).
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Write computer programs to demonstrate principles, such as `the arrow of
time'.
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Estimate probabilities using variates from a specified distribution function.
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Use the computer to integrate Planck's (analytically intractable) blackbody
distribution.
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Solve some problems using monte carlo methods.
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Know about phase transitions and hysteresis.
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Final Exam: Friday, 13 Dec., 2-5 pm.
Grading Scale: 60-D-70-C-80-B-90-A-100
(based on: Homework-1/3, Midterm-1/3 (17 October, Thursday), and Final-1/3.
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Policies
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I don't have a formal attendance policy-be forewarned, however, that students
with more than an occasional absence usually do poorly.
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Quizzes and exams may be made-up if the student has an official excuse.
There is no extra-credit work.
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The College of Liberal Arts academic misconduct policy will be followed.
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Any student who receives failing grades during the course is urged
to meet with the instructor and discuss such work.
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If you have a problem of any kind, my door is open to you. (If your
schedule should be in conflict with my office hours, then attempt to arrange
an appointment either: (i) during class, or (ii) by a chance meeting using
the information posted on my door.)
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Out of courtesy for all those participating in the learning experience, all
cell phones and pagers must be turned off before entering any classroom,
lab, or formal academic or performance event .
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Students who believe that they possess disabilities for which accommodation
is required must so inform the instructor at the close of their first class
meeting. They must then indicate the nature of their disability and the sort
of reasonable accommodation requested. If you believe that you possess a
disability for which reasonable accommodation must be made, you must consult
with the instructor of this class immediately after your first class meeting.
You will then identify the disability, and the reasonable accommodation
requested. The instructor will refer you to the office of the Dean of Students
for evaluation, documentation of your disability, and a recommendation as
to the accommodation, if any, to be provided.
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If you do NOT consult with the instructor and follow up at the office of
the Dean of Students, as provided above, you will thereby waive any claim
to a disability and the right to any accommodation pertaining thereto.