VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.

402-2214-00L 10 Credits BSC D-PHYS
You're viewing possible stale or outdated data. Please check the latest semester for more up-to-date information.

Theory of Heat

Theorie der Wärme

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Gian Michele Graf
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:41:27

Abstract

Thermodynamics and its applications, and basics of the kinetic theory of gases and of statistical mechanics: equilibrium, work and heat, laws of thermodynamics, Carnot process, absolute temperature, entropy, ideal gas, thermodynamic potentials, phase transitions, multicomponent systems; Boltzmann equation, H-Theorem, Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution; statistical ensembles.

Objective

Develop a physical understanding for thermodynamic phenomena and first contact with statistical descriptions, e.g., transport described through Boltzmann equation or classical statistical physics. Equilibrium thermodynamics as described via state variables as opposed to non-equilibrium transport phenomena. Phase transformations, such as liquid-gas or ferromagnetic-paramagnetic transition. Application of mathematical concepts such as theory of functions of many variables, Legendre transformation, statistical sums. Preparation for (quantum-)statistical mechanics.

Content

Thermodynamics and its applications, and basics of the kinetic theory of gases and of statistical mechanics: equilibrium, work and heat, laws of thermodynamics, Carnot process, absolute temperature, entropy, ideal gas, thermodynamic potentials, phase transitions, multicomponent systems; Boltzmann equation, H-Theorem, Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution; statistical ensembles.

Resources

Learning Materials (Links)

General Information

Language
German
Levels
BSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
written 180 minutes
Aids
ein beidseitig handbeschriebenes A4-Blatt als Formelsammlung

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Theorie der Wärme
  • Mon 14:45-15:30 (HPV G 4)
  • Mon 15:00-16:00 (ER SA TZ)
  • Wed 13:45-15:30 (HPV G 4)
  • Wed 14:00-16:00 (ER SA TZ)
3 h weekly
exercise Theorie der Wärme
Die Übungen finden Di 13-15 statt. Bei genügend grossem Bedarf kann eine Übungsgruppe Mo 16-18 angeboten werden (insbesondere für die Studierenden, welche auch 401-2604-00L Probability and Statistics besuchen).
  • Mon 15:45-17:30 (HIT F 11.1)
  • Mon 15:45-17:30 (HIT F 13)
  • Tue 12:45-14:30 (HIT F 31.1)
  • Tue 12:45-14:30 (HIT J 51)
  • Tue 12:45-14:30 (HIT K 51)
  • Tue 12:45-14:30 (HIT K 52)
  • Wed 15:45-17:30 (HIT J 53)
2 h weekly

Offered In