Microscopic description of the gas phase

We continue our discussion about the microscopic description of thermodynamic systems. Again our main concern will be to derive expression for the heat capacity of matter but also to develop an appreciation for the relationship between microscopic and macroscopic degrees of freedom which will be important for understanding the concept of entropy to be introduced later today and tomorrow.

 
• Equipartition theorem
  • Quantum mechanics limits when degrees of freedom are thermodynamically active
  • Mon-atomic and molecular gases
  • Degrees of freedom per water molecule at room temperature
  • Microscopic degrees of freedom for a solid: the law of Dulong and Petit
  • Calorimetry demonstration experiment
• Collision and transport phenomena