Physics 112Thermal Phys i csInstructor: Peter Young (office ISB 212, phone 459-4151, e-mail: [email protected])Place: Social Sciences 2, Room 075.Time: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:00–11:45 am.Note: Course materials, such as homework assignments and handouts will be available atmy web sitehttp://physics.ucsc.edu/~peter/112/BooksThe recommended book for the course is• Thermal Physics by C. Ki t t el an d Kr oemer. In my view, this is the best elementaryintroduction to statistical mechanics. The version in print is the second edition. Thefirst edition, no longer in print, written by just Kittel, is a little different and I sl ig htlyprefer it . You may be able to get a second hand copy at amazon.com. Either editionwill be fine.Kittel and Kroemer has a somewhat unconventional approach to the subject, wh ich I like.Probably the best of the more traditional books is• Concepts in Thermal Physics by S. Blundell and K. Blundell,Other books, which are on reserve on the librar y, are• Statistical Physics by F. Mandl• Introductory Statistical Mechanics by Bowley and Sanchez• Thermal Physics by D. V. Schro eder• Fundamentals of Statistical and Thermal Physics by F. Rei fTopicsI will cover Chapters 1-9, the first part of Ch. 14 on the Maxwell velocity distribution, andCh. 10 (on phase transitions, for which I will add some supple m entary material).GradingYour performance in the class will be decided on the basis of the midt er m , final and homeworkassignments as follows:midterm 25%final 50%homework 25%1The midterm and final exams will be closed book. You will be allowed to bring one sheet ofnotes written by yourself (no photocopies) if you wish.Final ExamThe final exam will be in class on Tuesday, March 20 12:00–3:00 p.m.HomeworkA weekly homework assignment will be handed ou t a n d due one week later. It is veryimportant to work hard on the homework problems. You don’t really understand a topicuntil you are able to solve problems in it. The way to learn how to solve problems is throughpractice. You are encouraged to discuss the homework problems with other students. Youare also encouraged to attend the discussion section and office hours for additional help,either with problems or bookwork.Discussion SectionThe TA is Eric Car l son, ercca rl s@ ucsc.edu. His office is Interdisciplinary Sciences Building(ISB) 262. The discussion section will be on Thursdays from 6:00–7:10 p.m. in PhysicalSciences 110.Office HoursMy office hour is Mondays, 1:00–2:00 pm. in ISB 212, and at other times by appointment.The TA’s office hour is Fridays, 2:30–3: 30 pm, in ISB