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SYLLABUS

UNIT-I

1. Kinetic Theory of Gases Introduction – Deduction of Maxwell’s law of distribution of molecular speeds, Transport phenomena – Viscosity of gases – Thermal conductivity – Diffusion of gases. 2. Thermodynamics Basics of thermodynamics – Kelvin’s and Claussius statements – Thermodynamic scale of temperature – Entropy, Physical significance – Change in entropy in reversible and irreversible processes – Entropy and disorder – Entropy of universe – Temperature – Entropy (T-S) diagram – Change of entropy of a perfect gas – Change of entropy when ice changes into steam. 

UNIT-II

3. Thermodynamic Potentials and Maxwell’s Equations Thermodynamic potentials – Derivation of Maxwell’s thermodynamic relations – ClausiusClayperon’s equation – Derivation for ratio of specific heats – Derivation for difference of two specific heats for perfect gas. Joule Kelvin effect – Expression for Joule Kelvin coefficient for perfect and Vanderwaal’s gas. 4. Low Temperature Physics Joule kelvin effect – Liquefaction of gas using porous plug experiment. Joule expansion – Distinction between adiabatic and Joule Thomson expansion – Expression for Joule Thomson cooling – Liquefaction of helium, Kapitza’s method – Adiabatic demagnetization – Production of low temperatures – Principle of refrigeration, vapour compression type.

UNIT-III

5. Quantum Theory of Radiation Black body-Ferry’s black body – Distribution of energy in the spectrum of Black body – Wein’s displacement law, Wein’s law, Rayleigh-Jean’s law – Quantum theory of radiation – Planck’s law – Deduction of Wein’s distribution law, Rayleigh-Jeans law, Stefan’s law from Planck’s law. Measurement of radiation using pyrometers – Disappearing filament optical pyrometer – Experimental determination – Angstrom pyroheliometer – Determination of solar constant, Effective temperature of sun.

UNIT-IV

6. Statistical Mechanics Introduction, postulates of statistical mechanics. Phase space, concept of ensembles and some known ensembles, classical and quantum statistics and their differences, concept of probability, Maxwell-Boltzmann’s distribution law – Molecular energies in an ideal gasMaxwell-Boltzmann’s velocity distribution law, Bose-Einstein Distribution law, Fermi-Dirac Distribution law, comparison of three distribution laws, Application of B-E distribution to Photons – Plancks radiation formula, Application of Fermi-Dirac statistics to white dwarfs and Neutron stars.