Entry requirements

Physical Chemistry MN1, 10 credit points,Physical Chemistry MN2, 10 credit points and Calculus of several variables alternatively passed courses in science/technology 60 credit points of which 20 credit points in physics. In the latter case, Thermodynamics MN1, 5 credit points is recommended.

Aims

To give basic insight of the foundations of statistical thermodynamics. To show how statistical methods can be used to obtain thermodynamic data from molecular parameters, and to be able to calculate thermodynamics properties for systems at equalibrium.

Content

Ensembles. Partition functions. Calculation of thermodynamic properties from partition functions. Boltzmann-, Bose-Einstein-, and Fermid-Dirac statistics. Classical statistical mechanics. Virial expansions. Distribution functions. Debye-Hückel theory for electrolyte solutions. Lattice models of liquids. Bragg-Williams approximation. Regular solutions. Introduction to Monte Carlo methods.

Instruction

Lectures and tutorials.

Assessment

Hand-in exercises and a written examinaiton at the end of the course.