Thermodynamics

A.Y. 2024/2025
6
Max ECTS
56
Overall hours
SSD
FIS/01 FIS/07
Language
Italian
Learning objectives
The aim of the course is to provide the basics of Thermodynamics and to introduce some fundamental quantities, like heat, temperature, internal energy, entropy, and the thermodynamic functions. The course goal is also to show some applications to thermodynamic systems, to describe models for phase transitions and to introduce some elements of classical statistical mechanics.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course, the student will
- know the laws of Thermodynamics;
- have the knowledge and skills necessary for describing thermodynamic systems;
- be able to approach and solve problems involving thermodynamic systems;
- use properly the thermodynamic functions;
- be able to analyze phase transitions with the thermodynamic potentials;
- know the basics of classical statistical mechanics
Single course

This course can be attended as a single course.

Course syllabus and organization

CORSO A

Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
0. Elements of fluid statics and fluid dynamics
1. The zeroth law of thermodymanics
2. The thermal expansion
3. The heat
4. The kinetic theory of gases
5. The first law of thermodymanics
6. The ideal gases
7. The heat transfer
8. The second law of thermodynamics
9. The entropy
10. The Boltzmann equation
11. The real gases
12. The thermodynamics potentials
13. The statistical mechanics
14. The constant of the entropy
15. The fundamental postulates of thermodynamics
16. The phase transitions

The detailed programme can be found on the Ariel site (https://myariel.unimi.it/course/view.php?id=1714).
Prerequisites for admission
Knowledge of classical mechanics and of the topics covered in the Mathematical Analysis I and II courses.
Teaching methods
Lectures and Exercises.
Teaching Resources
Course lecture notes:
- S. Olivares, Appunti di Termodinamica (Milano University press)
The pdf file can be downloaded from https://libri.unimi.it/index.php/milanoup/catalog/book/127)

Further bibliography:
- E. Fermi, Thermodynamics.
- M. Planck, Treatise on Thermodynamics.
- P. Mazzoldi, M. Nigro, C. Voci, Fisica Vol. 1 (in Italian).
- H. Callen, Thermodynamics and an Introduction to Thermostatistics.
- The course material (slides, notes, ...) is available on the myAriel website of the course (https://myariel.unimi.it/course/view.php?id=1714).
Assessment methods and Criteria
Learning will be verified through a written test lasting approximately a couple of hours in which you will be asked to solve the Thermodynamics problems proposed by applying the concepts and methodology learned during the teaching. Once the written test has been passed, the final oral exam takes place, which consists of an interview lasting approximately half an hour in which any unclear passages in the writings are discussed and the student must demonstrate that they have acquired the fundamental concepts of thermodynamics and their physical meaning.
The written test will be common to the two editions of the course, while the oral test will be generally held with the specific teacher of each course. During the written and oral exams, the correctness of the approach and methodology will be assessed, as well as the critical sense shown by the student.
FIS/01 - EXPERIMENTAL PHYSICS - University credits: 3
FIS/07 - APPLIED PHYSICS - University credits: 3
Practicals: 24 hours
Lessons: 32 hours
Professor: Olivares Stefano

CORSO B

Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
0. Elements of fluid statics and fluid dynamics
1. The zeroth law of thermodynamics
2. The thermal expansion
3. The heat
4. The kinetic theory of gases
5. The first law of thermodynamics
6. The ideal gases
7. The heat transfer
8. The second law of thermodynamics
9. The entropy
10. The Boltzmann equation
11. The real gases
12. The thermodynamic potentials
13. The statistical mechanics
14. The constant of the entropy
15. The fundamental postulates of thermodynamics
Prerequisites for admission
Mechanics, Mathematical analysis 1 and 2.
Teaching methods
32 hours of theoretical lectures and 24 hours of exercises.
Teaching Resources
S. Rosati, Fisica generale (in Italian)
S. Focardi, I. Massa, A. Uguzzoni, Fisica generale - Termodinamica e Fluidi (in Italian)
P. Mazzoldi, M. Nigro, C. Voci, Fisica Vol. 1 (in Italian)
H. Callen, Thermodynamics and an Introduction to Thermostatistics
E. Fermi, Thermodynamics
S. Olivares, Appunti di Termodinamica (in Italian)
(The pdf file can be downloaded from https://libri.unimi.it/index.php/milanoup/catalog/book/127)
R. P. Feynmann, Lectures on Physics
B. Diu et al. Thermodynamique (in French)
M. W. Zemansky, R.H. Dittman, Heat and Thermodynamics
M. Alonso, E. J. Finn, Fundamental University Physics III - Quantum and statistical physics
Assessment methods and Criteria
Written exam (~2 hours) with 3 open problems plus oral exam (~0.5 hour). In the exams, the student has to show to be familiar with the fundamental topics presented during the course and to be able to apply them to solve specific problems of thermodynamics.
FIS/01 - EXPERIMENTAL PHYSICS - University credits: 3
FIS/07 - APPLIED PHYSICS - University credits: 3
Practicals: 24 hours
Lessons: 32 hours
Professor: Grillo Claudio
Professor(s)
Reception:
Friday, 9:30-12:30 (by appointment)
Physics Department, via Giovanni Celoria, 16, 20133 Milano
Reception:
by e-mail appointment
Room A/5/C8 - 5th floor LITA building, Dipartimento di Fisica (via Celoria, 16 - 20133 Milano)