- The microscopic foundations of thermodynamics
- Ensembles
- Identical particles and distributions
- Quantum liquids
- Phase transitions
- Applications in economics (on request)
SK2752 Statistical Physics 7.5 credits
This course has been discontinued.
Last planned examination: Spring 2020
Decision to discontinue this course:
No information insertedContent and learning outcomes
Course contents
Intended learning outcomes
State the principal assumptions behind the statistical mechanical description.
- Derive Bolzman’s law from the above assumptions.
- Use knowledge from probability theory and quantum mechanics to calculate the relevant partition function for a given system model.
- Motivate the second law of thermodynamics starting from Bolzman’s law.
- Calculate thermodynamic functions from the partition function for a given system.
- Chose the appropriate (calculable) ensemble for a given system.
- Chose and minimize the adequate thermodynamic function in order to find the equilibrium state of a system.
- Starting from a real life situation and using knowledge in quantum mechanics, mechanics, solid state physics etc. create a system model whose partition function can be calculated.
- Critically evaluate the relevance and applicability of a system model.
Literature and preparations
Specific prerequisites
- Basic physics (equivalent IF1603, SK1108)
- Mathematical analysis in several variables (equivalent SF1626)
- Statistics (equivalent SF1901)
Recommended prerequisites
Equipment
Literature
Introductory statistical mechanics, R. Bowley and M. SánchezUpplaga: 2a Förlag: Oxford science publications År: 1999ISBN: 0198505760
Examination and completion
If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.
Grading scale
Examination
- INL1 - Exercise, 7.5 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.
The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.
The course contains 12 lectures and 6 exercise occasions.
In case of less than 10 participants the course will be given as a self study course with take home problems and weekly meetings for questions and discussions
Other requirements for final grade
Passed grade on INL1
Opportunity to complete the requirements via supplementary examination
Opportunity to raise an approved grade via renewed examination
Examiner
Ethical approach
- All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
- In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
- In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.