Physics 353
Foundations of Physics II

Spring Quarter 2005: Thermal physics

MWF at 11:00 in Pacific 30.

This is the third quarter of a three quarter course. Fall quarter was devoted to oscillations and waves. During winter quarter the course covered more about oscillations and waves, then turned to thermal physics. In spring quarter, we will continue with thermal physics. The goal is to understand the Second Law of Thermodynamics and also to learn something about the practical applications of thermodynamics. We will also learn how to use computer tools that are useful for this and other topics. The webpage for Physics 351 is still available, as is the webpage for Physics 352.

The final exam (2nd midterm) key is posted here.
The exam score results (average=68) are posted here,
and overall course scores are posted are posted here.
(approximate grading breakdown: B >= 60, A >= 75)
Please check to see that our records are complete.
Good job, everyone! Have a great summer.

Q: What do you get when you cross an elephant and a giraffe? Stumped?
Well, what do you get when you cross an elephant and a mountain climber? Still stumped?

Instructor:

Text:

Homework:

There will be problems assigned each week in class, due on Monday. Some of the problems will involve computer work. I recommend Mathematica, which is available at UO computer labs. If you already know some other computer language like C++, Basic, Fortran, Matlab, or Maple, you are welcome to use what you know.

Grader for problems:

Problem assignments:

Answers

  • Homework 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
  • Midterm Exams I

    • Available notes in .pdf and .nb format:

    Exams:

    Optional Paper and Presentation (replaces second midterm exam)

    The paper should involve an original calculation or possibly an experiment that investigates or illustrates something in thermal or statistical physics. A computer calculation would be appropriate, but an analytical calculation is fine also. Later this term we will be doing some computer simulations of the Ising model for a magnetic solid, but problems on heat conduction are also interesting and instructive. If you want to do a calculation, try to find a 1-dimensional model situation that is relevant and of interest! The papers are to be done collaboratively by groups of between two and four students, with each author assuming equal responsibility for the content. I will assign a grade to each paper, which will count for each author of the paper. Thus this will be a team effort. Each group should choose a subject of interest to it.

    A small group is often much more effective than a single person for getting something creative done, but it may take some practice to learn how to operate in a small group. If a group is having trouble operating effectively, I can attempt to offer advice. In the event that a group breaks up, I could accept papers from subgroups or individuals.

    Groups should form themselves and propose a subject by April 28. Each group should turn in a draft paper by June 2. June 7 (if needed) and June 9 are reserved for in-class presentations of the paper content by the submitting group. The final paper is due on Friday, June 9.

    Grading:

    The homework assignments will count for 30% of the course grade. There will be two midterm exams, which each count for 35% of the course grade. The second midterm exam will be held at the time of the final exam and may be replaced by the paper.