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402-2214-00L 10 Credits BSC D-PHYS
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Theory of Heat

Theorie der Wärme

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. em. Dr. Gianni Blatter
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:06:44

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; hydrodynamics, statistical ensembles.

Objective

Develop a physical understanding for thermodynamic phenomena and first contact with statistical descriptions, such as the Boltzmann equation or classical statistical physics. Equilibrium thermodynamics as described via state variables. 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; hydrodynamics; statistical ensembles.

Resources

Lecture Notes

in German

Literature

K. Huang, Statistical Mechanics (John Wiley & Sons, New York, 1987), Übersicht A. Sommerfeld, Thermodynamik und Statistik (Vorlesungen ueber theoretische Physik, Band V, Harri Deutsch, 1977), Übersicht L.E. Reichl, A Modern Course in Statistical Physics (E. Arnold, 1987), Übersicht D. Chandler, Introduction to Modern Statistical Physics (Oxford University Press, New York, 1987), Übersicht H. Smith, H. Jensen, Transport Phenomena (Claredon Press, Oxford, 1989), Transportphaenomene N. Straumann, Thermodynamik (Lecture Notes in Physics, Springer, Ber- lin, 1986), Übersicht P. Chaikin, T. Lubensky, Principles of Condensed Matter Physics (Cambridge University Press, 1995), Phasenuebergaenge N.G. van Kampen, Stochastic Processes in Physics and Chemistry (North-Holland, Amsterdam, 1992), Stochastische Prozesse

Learning Materials (Links)

General Information

Language
German
Levels
BSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
written 180 minutes
Aids
ein selbst-/hand-geschriebenes A4-Blatt (beidseitig) als Formelsammlung (mindestens Schriftgrösse 11, keine Kopien/Printerzeugnisse)

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Theorie der Wärme
  • Mon 14:45-15:30 (HPH G 1)
  • Wed 13:45-15:30 (HPV G 4)
3 h weekly
exercise Theorie der Wärme
Die Übungen finden Di 12-14 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 J 52)
  • Tue 11:45-13:30 (HIT H 42)
  • Tue 11:45-13:30 (HIT H 51)
  • Tue 11:45-13:30 (HIT J 51)
  • Tue 11:45-13:30 (HIT J 52)
  • Tue 11:45-13:30 (HIT J 53)
  • Tue 11:45-13:30 (HPL D 32)
  • 26.04 Date 11:45-13:30 (HIT K 51)
2 h weekly

Offered In