CHM 6461
Statistical Thermodynamics
Syllabus, Fall Semester 2005

Statistical thermodynamics, or statistical mechanics, provides the connection between the microscopic and macroscopic descriptions of systems. For chemistry, this means the connection between the atomic and molecular nature of materials and their thermodynamic properties. Traditionally, the three major areas of physical chemistry are thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, and statistical mechanics (reaction dynamics could be a fourth). There is often too little time to cover statistical mechanics in the undergraduate curriculum, but it is a necessity for physical chemistry (and other subfields) at the graduate level.

Instructor

David Chatfield

CP 336

David.Chatfield@fiu.edu

http:/www.fiu.edu/~chatfiel

Office Hours: MW 11:00-12:15 or by appointment

Time and location

MW 9:30-10:45, GL 261

Required text

Introduction to Modern Statistical Mechanics, David Chandler (Oxford University Press: Oxford, 1987), ISBN 0-19-504277-8.

Recommended texts:

Almost any undergraduate physical chemistry text

An Introduction to Statistical Thermodynamics, Terrell Hill (Dover: New York, 1986), ISBN 0-486-65242-4.

Statistical Mechanics, Donald McQuarrie (Harper & Row: New York, 1976), ISBN 06-044366-9.

Though the required text is good, it may be helpful to read alternative approaches. Most undergraduate texts will have a chapter on statistical mechanics, which may be a good source to consult if you become confused about the general “lay of the land.” The texts by Hill and McQuarrie listed above are at about the same level as Chandler but sometimes approach a topic from a different angle. McQuarrie is the classic text and an excellent book for one’s library. The Hill is similar and has the advantage of being a Dover edition and thus inexpensive ($12.89 according to my latest check at www.amazon.com). Both McQuarrie and Hill are two-semester texts.

Prerequisite

CHM 3411 or permission of instructor. Essentially, one should have thermodynamics and quantum mechanics at the undergraduate level before taking statistical thermodynamics.

Grading

Grades will be based on homework (10%), one mid-term exam (30%), and a final exam (60%).

Homework

Problem sets will be assigned at roughly two week intervals. Due dates will be firm.

Exam schedule

Mid-term exam: Wednesday, Oct. 12 (subject to change)

Final exam: Monday, Dec. 12, 9:30-12:15

Course Outline

Chapter Topic

1 Thermodynamics, Fundamentals

2 Conditions for Equilibrium and Stability

3 Statistical Mechanics

4 Non-Interacting (Ideal) Systems

5 Statistical Mechanical Theory of Phase Transitions

6 Monte Carlo Method in Statistical Mechanics

7 Classical Fluids

8 Statistical Mechanics of Non-Equilibrium Systems

Chapters 1-2 are a review of thermodynamics and will receive about one week each. Do not be deceived: though a review, these chapters are probably at a higher level of abstraction than your undergraduate courses. They define key terms and concepts that will be used later. Do not slight them. The remaining chapters will receive about two weeks each. The final two chapters will be covered as time permits.