PHYSICS 124 Thermodynamics & Statistical Mechanics   Fal 2007       

Instructor: Hossein Partovi Office: SQU-430Tel: 278-6501/6518 email: hpartovi@csus.edu  

web page:  www.csus.edu/indiv/p/partovimh/      

• The objective of this course is to develop a conceptual understanding and a working knowledge of the bulk properties and behavior of matter, namely the laws of thermodynamics, and an understanding of these macroscopic laws in terms of microscopic dynamics using the methods of statistical mechanics.
• The primary textbook for this course is Classical and Statistical Thermodynamics, Ashley Carter (Prentice Hall). Other useful sources are Thermal Physics, D. Schroeder (Addison Wesley Longman), Thermal Physics, Baierlein (Cambridge), and at a somewhat higher level, Statistical Mechanics & Thermodynamics, Garrod. An old favorite is Heat & Thermodynamics, 6th ed., Zemansky and Dittman (McGraw-Hill). In addition, your 11B level textbook (e.g., Halliday, Resnick, and Walker) should serve as a good reference for basic thermodynamics.
• Homework is to be handed in by 4 PM on Fridays (except as noted).  Late homework will count for no more than half credit if occasional and will not be accepted otherwise.  A fraction of each problem set will be selected and graded.   As usual, working through the examples in the textbook and on the homework problems and thoroughly understanding them is a major component of the learning process.  Do not use solution manuals or any other source of solutions to the homework problems. However, do not hesitate to ask HP or others questions about the homework, or study and work with friends or in groups.  But be certain that such means serve the purpose of removing your misconceptions and gaining a full understanding of the matter at hand, and that the end product is your work.  Needless to say, copying solutions (from any source, as stated above), or letting your partner do the thinking while you do the writing, defeats the very purpose of the exercise and is not acceptable. You will only receive credit for your own work, based on your learning and understanding. Quizzes will deal with material similar to homework and will thus provide a measure of your understanding of it.
• There will be two midterm exams and a final; these will count for 26%, 26%, and 32% respectively.  Homework and quizzes will count for 16%.