This is an archived course. A more recent version may be available at ocw.mit.edu.
Lectures: 3 sessions / week, 1 hour / session
Recitations: 2 sessions / week, 1 hour / session
This course offers an introduction to probability, statistical mechanics, and thermodynamics. Specific topics in probability include random variables, joint and conditional probability densities, and functions of a random variable. Concepts in statistical mechanics include macroscopic variables and thermodynamic equilibrium, fundamental assumptions of statistical mechanics, and microcanonical and canonical ensembles. First, second, and third laws of thermodynamics. Numerous examples illustrating a wide variety of physical phenomena such as magnetism, polyatomic gases, thermal radiation, electrons in solids, and noise in electronic devices.
Physics III: Vibrations and Waves (8.03), Differential Equations (18.03) and Concurrent Enrollment in Quantum Physics I (8.04) is recommended.
Adkins, C.J. Equilibrium Thermodynamics. New York City, NY: Cambridge University Press, 1983. ISBN: 9780521274562.
Baierlein, Ralph. Thermal Physics. New York City, NY: Cambridge University Press, 1999. ISBN: 9780521658386.
Reif, Frederick. Fundamentals of Statistical and Thermal Physics. New York City, NY: McGraw-Hill, 1965. ISBN: 9780070518001.
We will not cover the entire book. Rather, you will be given reading assignments which are relevant to the material covered in the lectures.
Zemansky, Mark, and Richard Dittman. Heat and Thermodynamics. New York City, NY: McGraw-Hill, 1997. ISBN: 9780071148160.
A classic undergraduate textbook on thermodynamics at about the same level as 8.044. Some students may appreciate the lengthier discussion of thermodynamics and the numerous examples treated throughout the text.
Kittel, Charles and Herbert Kroemer. Thermal Physics. San Francisco, CA: W. H. Freeman, 1990. ISBN: 9780716710882.
A currently popular undergraduate textbook at the level of 8.044. It does not follow the development we use, but the alternative discussions of individual topics may be helpful to some students.
Huang, Kerson. Statistical Mechanics. New York City, NY: Wiley, 1987. ISBN: 9780471815181.
A graduate text often used in MIT subjects. Above the level of 8.044, but the clear and concise explanations of thermodynamics and the three statistical ensembles are hard to beat.
There will be two exams during the semester that contribute 23% each toward the final grade and a comprehensive final exam that contributes 40% towards the final grade.
Problem sets are due in the lecture on the days indicated on the calendar. Working through these problems is crucial to understanding the material deeply. After attempting each problem by yourself, we encourage you to discuss the problems with the teaching staff and with other students -- this is an excellent way to learn physics. You must write up your solutions by yourself, and not copy from someone else's work or from solutions from a previous year.
The homework contributes 14% toward the final grade.
The final grade for the course will be based on the following:
| ACTIVITIES | PERCENTAGES |
|---|---|
| Problem sets | 14% |
| Exam 1 | 23% |
| Exam 2 | 23% |
| Final exam | 40% |
Note that the course is not graded on any predetermined curve. If the class as a whole shows exceptional mastery of statistical mechanics, the grades will be exceptionally high. Since we use absolute rather than relative standards, it is impossible for a student to lower his or her grade by helping other classmates understand the material.
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