Course Overview

Following "Statistical Physics I, II", the fundamental principles and various statistical ensembles in Statistical Mechanics are applied to some important phenomena encountered in physics, namely phase transition and Landau phenomenological theory, semiconductor statistics, and quasi-Fermi potentials. A brief introduction to nonequilibrium statistical mechanics, namely, kinetic theory of ideal gas, linear response, and Boltzmann transport theory, is also explained.

Learning Achievement

1. The students are able to calculate thermodynamic properties of materials by the canonical ensembles.
2. The students are able to derive quantum statistics from the grand-caconical ensembles and to understand the classical limit.
3. The students are able to derive the formulas of the density of states and the spectrum of black-body radiation.
4. The students are able to calculate electric conductivity in metals.

Competence

Related to 2. Understanding ability of physical phenomena.

Course prerequisites

Statistical Mechanics I & II
Intro. to Single-Variable Calculus I & II, Advanced Calculus, Linear Algebra I & II, Probability and Statistics, Mechanics, Electromagnetism, Thermodynamics, Modern Physics

Grading Philosophy

Homework & Class performance 30 %
Final 70%

Course schedule

Harmonic oscillator and Einstein solid
Einstein solid and its specific heat
Maxwell velocity distribution
Pressure (kinetic theory)
Para- and ferro-magnetism
Identical particles: fermion and boson
Photon statistics
Grandcacinocal ensemble and Quantum statistics
Conduction in metals
Black-body radiation

Course type

Lectures

Online Course Requirement

Instructor

Sano Nobuyuki

Other information

* You may discuss with other students for preparing the written homework. Yet, just “a copy-and-paste” will not be accepted. No late homework will be accepted.
* All exams are closed book for in-class lecture.

Site for Inquiry

Link to the syllabus provided by the university