General physics : thermodynamics (English)

PHYS-106(en) / coefficient 6

Teacher: Hirschmann Michaela

Language: English

Summary

Students acquire the abilities to analyze physical systems through the lens of thermodynamics and statistical physics.

Content

The following subjects will be covered at an introductory level:

- Thermodynamic systems, state variables, functions of state

- First law of thermodynamics

- Second law of thermodynamics

- Thermodynamic cycles

- Thermodynamic potentials

- Heat transfer, Fourier's law, diffusion (one dimension)

- Perfect gas law, kinetic theory of gases

- Statistics: Boltzmann formula

- Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution, principle of equipartition, specific heat

- Van der Waals's gas and phase transitions

Learning Prerequisites

Required courses

General Physics I

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, the student must be able to:

  • Formulate a physical model
  • Develop a know-how to solve a problem
  • Structure models in terms of differentials equations
  • Apply simpliflying assumptions to describe an experience
  • Estimate orders of magnitude
  • Distinguish the theoretical models describing Natural phenomena
  • Contextualise theoretical models in every day life
  • Formulate physical models

Transversal skills

  • Use a work methodology appropriate to the task.

Teaching methods

in-person and online lectures, in-person discussions, exercises

Assessment methods

written exam

Resources

Moodle Link

Prerequisite for

General physics III

In the programs

  • Semester: Spring
  • Number of places: 214
  • Exam form: Written (summer session)
  • Subject examined: General physics : thermodynamics (English)
  • Lecture: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Exercises: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: mandatory
  • Semester: Spring
  • Number of places: 214
  • Exam form: Written (summer session)
  • Subject examined: General physics : thermodynamics (English)
  • Lecture: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Exercises: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: mandatory
  • Semester: Spring
  • Number of places: 214
  • Exam form: Written (summer session)
  • Subject examined: General physics : thermodynamics (English)
  • Lecture: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Exercises: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: mandatory
  • Semester: Spring
  • Number of places: 214
  • Exam form: Written (summer session)
  • Subject examined: General physics : thermodynamics (English)
  • Lecture: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Exercises: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: mandatory
  • Semester: Spring
  • Number of places: 214
  • Exam form: Written (summer session)
  • Subject examined: General physics : thermodynamics (English)
  • Lecture: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Exercises: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: mandatory
  • Semester: Spring
  • Number of places: 214
  • Exam form: Written (summer session)
  • Subject examined: General physics : thermodynamics (English)
  • Lecture: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Exercises: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: mandatory
  • Semester: Spring
  • Number of places: 214
  • Exam form: Written (summer session)
  • Subject examined: General physics : thermodynamics (English)
  • Lecture: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Exercises: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: mandatory
  • Semester: Spring
  • Number of places: 214
  • Exam form: Written (summer session)
  • Subject examined: General physics : thermodynamics (English)
  • Lecture: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Exercises: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: mandatory

Reference week

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