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402-0213-00L 5 Credits BSC , MSC D-USYS , D-PHYS , D-ITET

Theory of Heat

Theorie der Wärme

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

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:24:32

Abstract

Thermodynamics and its applications, and the 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. Understanding of phase transformations, e.g., liquid-gas or ferromagnetic-paramagnetic transition. Ability to solve simple simple problems. Application of (previously learned) mathematical concepts such as theory of functions of many variables, integrability, Legendre transformation, partial differential equations, statistical sums. Preparation for (quantum-)statistical mechanics.

Content

Thermodynamics and its applications, and the 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; Boltzmannequation, H-Theorem, Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution; statistical ensembles.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Handgeschrieben, elektronische Version in Bearbeitung

General Information

Language
German
Levels
BSC , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
oral 20 minutes

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Theorie der Wärme
**gemeinsam mit der Uni Zürich**
  • Wed 08:45-10:30 (HPV G 4)
2 h weekly
exercise Theorie der Wärme
  • Wed 15:45-16:30 (HIT F 11.1)
  • Wed 15:45-16:30 (HIT F 12)
  • Wed 15:45-16:30 (HIT F 31.2)
  • Wed 15:45-16:30 (HPK D 24.2)
1 h weekly

Offered In