Module PHYS2531: THERMAL AND CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS

Department: Physics

PHYS2531: THERMAL AND CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS

Prerequisites

• Foundations of Physics 1 (PHYS1122) AND Single Mathematics A (MATH1561) and Single Mathematics B (MATH1571) OR Core Mathematics A (MATH1012).

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• This module is designed primarily for students studying Department of Physics or Natural Sciences degree programmes.
• It builds on the Level 1 module Foundations of Physics 1 (PHYS1122) by providing courses on Thermodynamics and Condensed Matter Physics.

Content

• The syllabus contains
• Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics: The Zeroth Law. Conservation of energy, the first law and application to heat engines. Entropy and the second law. Carnot engines. Thermodynamic functions. Equilibrium and phase transitions. Joule Kelvin effect. The third law. Probability distribution functions. Statistical distribution of classical particles, fermions and bosons. Second law of thermodynamics revisited, the concept of entropy and temperature.
• Crystals, Vibrations and X-Rays: The language of crystallography. Diffraction from crystals in direct and reciprocal space. Propagation and dispersion of vibrations in a crystal structure.
• Electrons in Solids: Quantisation of elastic waves and the concept of phonons. Heat capacity and thermal conductivity of a solid. Classical free electrons and the free electron Fermi gas model. The influence of crystal structure on the energy levels in solids. Band theory of metals, insulators and semiconductors. The use of X-ray and neutron scattering to probe crystal structure, vibrational, and electronic properties of solids in 2 and 3 dimensions.

Learning Outcomes

• Having studied this module students will have an understanding of the thermodynamics of matter, the four laws of thermodynamics and their application.
• They will have appreciation of distributions of classical and quantum particles leading to a discussion of entropy and temperature.
• They will have the ability to describe the arrangement of atoms in a crystal structure and the diffraction pattern that results in both direct and reciprocal space.
• They will have an understanding of elastic vibrations of atoms in crystals and how these vibrations are quantised into phonons.
• They will have knowledge of the concept of phonons and how these explain the thermal properties of solids.
• They will have knowledge of the breakdown in classical physics and how to apply quantum mechanics to the study of electrons in crystalline solids, the nature of electron states and how metallic, semiconducting and insulating materials arise.
• They will have an appreciation of X-ray and neutron scattering as a probe of crystal structure, vibrational, and electronic properties of solids in 2 and 3 dimensions.

• In addition to the acquisition of subject knowledge, students will be able to apply the principles of physics to the solution of predictable and unpredictable problems.
• They will know how to produce a well-structured solution, with clearly-explained reasoning and appropriate presentation.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Teaching will be by lectures and example classes. The lectures provide the means to give a concise, focused presentation of the subject matter of the module. The lecture material will be explicitly linked to the contents of recommended textbooks for the module, thus making clear where students can begin private study. When appropriate, the lectures will also be supported by the distribution of written material, or by information and relevant links on DUO.
• Regular problem exercises and example classes will give students the chance to develop their theoretical understanding and problem solving skills.
• Students will be able to obtain further help in their studies by approaching their lecturers, either after lectures or at other mutually convenient times.
• Student performance will be summatively assessed through an examination and problem exercises. The examination and problem exercises will provide the means for students to demonstrate the acquisition of subject knowledge and the development of their problem-solving skills. The problem exercises and example classes provide opportunities for feedback, for students to gauge their progress and for staff to monitor progress throughout the module.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Example classes and problems solved therein.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University