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Advanced Physical Chemistry: Statistical Thermodynamics
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:16:30
Abstract
Introduction to statistical mechanics and thermodynamics. Prediction of thermodynamic and kinetic properties from molecular data.
Objective
Introduction to statistical mechanics and thermodynamics. Prediction of thermodynamic and kinetic properties from molecular data.
Content
Basics of statistical mechanics and thermodynamics of classical and quantum systems. Concept of ensembles, microcanonical and canonical ensembles, ergodic theorem. Molecular and canonical partition functions and their connection with classical thermodynamics. Quantum statistics. Translational, rotational, vibrational, electronic and nuclear spin partition functions of gases. Determination of the equilibrium constants and (transition-state theory) rates of gas phase reactions. Description of ideal gases and ideal crystals. Lattice models, mixing entropy of polymers, and entropic elasticity.
Resources
Lecture Notes
See homepage of the lecture.
Literature
See homepage of the lecture.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- DR , MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- oral 25 minutes
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise |
Advanced Physical Chemistry: Statistical Thermodynamics
Vorlesung: Fr 12-14
Übungen Di 10-11 oder Do 14-15
In der ersten Woche findet während der Übungsstunde eine Vorlesung statt.
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3 h weekly |
Offered In
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Electives (Students are free to choose from a range of D-CHAB chemistry courses appropriate to their level of study (please note admission requirements). In case of doubt, contact the student administration.)
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General Electives (Students may choose General Electives from the entire course programme of ETH Zurich - with the following restrictions: courses that belong to the first or second year of a Bachelor curriculum at ETH Zurich as well as courses from GESS "Science in Perspective" are not eligible here. The following courses are explicitly recommended to physics students by their lecturers. (Courses in this list may be assigned to the category "General Electives" directly in myStudies. For the category assignment of other eligible courses keep the choice "no category" and take contact with the Study Administration ( ) after having received the credits.))
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Doctorate Materials Science (Further information at: )
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