General physics : thermodynamics (English)

PHYS-106(en) / coefficient 6

Teacher: Hirschmann Michaela

Language: English

Summary

Students acquire the abilities to analyze physical systems through the lens of thermodynamics, statistical physics, and special relativity.

Content

The following subjects will be covered at an introductory level:

- Thermodynamic systems, state variables, functions of state

- First law of thermodynamics

- Second law of thermodynamics

- Thermodynamic cycles

- Heat transfer, Fourier's law, diffusion (one dimension)

- Perfect gas law, kinetic theory of gases

- Statistics: Boltzmann formula

- Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution, principle of equipartition, specific heat

- Van der Waals's gas and phase transitions

- Special relativity: Lorentz transformations, relativistic energy, relativistic Doppler effect

Learning Prerequisites

Required courses

General Physics I

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, the student must be able to:

  • Formulate a physical model
  • Develop a know-how to solve a problem
  • Structure models in terms of differentials equations
  • Apply simpliflying assumptions to describe an experience
  • Estimate orders of magnitude
  • Distinguish the theoretical models describing Natural phenomena
  • Contextualise theoretical models in every day life
  • Formulate physical models

Transversal skills

  • Use a work methodology appropriate to the task.

Teaching methods

in-person and online lectures, in-person discussions, exercises

Assessment methods

written exam

Resources

Moodle Link

Prerequisite for

General physics III

In the programs

  • Semester: Spring
  • Number of places: 214
  • Exam form: Written (summer session)
  • Subject examined: General physics : thermodynamics (English)
  • Lecture: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Exercises: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: mandatory
  • Semester: Spring
  • Number of places: 214
  • Exam form: Written (summer session)
  • Subject examined: General physics : thermodynamics (English)
  • Lecture: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Exercises: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: mandatory
  • Semester: Spring
  • Number of places: 214
  • Exam form: Written (summer session)
  • Subject examined: General physics : thermodynamics (English)
  • Lecture: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Exercises: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: mandatory
  • Semester: Spring
  • Number of places: 214
  • Exam form: Written (summer session)
  • Subject examined: General physics : thermodynamics (English)
  • Lecture: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Exercises: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: mandatory
  • Semester: Spring
  • Number of places: 214
  • Exam form: Written (summer session)
  • Subject examined: General physics : thermodynamics (English)
  • Lecture: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Exercises: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: mandatory
  • Semester: Spring
  • Number of places: 214
  • Exam form: Written (summer session)
  • Subject examined: General physics : thermodynamics (English)
  • Lecture: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Exercises: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: mandatory
  • Semester: Spring
  • Number of places: 214
  • Exam form: Written (summer session)
  • Subject examined: General physics : thermodynamics (English)
  • Lecture: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Exercises: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: mandatory
  • Semester: Spring
  • Number of places: 214
  • Exam form: Written (summer session)
  • Subject examined: General physics : thermodynamics (English)
  • Lecture: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Exercises: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: mandatory

Reference week

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