01057 - Thermodynamics (A-L)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student will have acquired a basic understanding of classical thermodynamics and its microscopic interpretation, including the kinetic theory of gases and some fundamental concepts of statistical mechanics. The student will also be able to apply general concepts and fundamental laws to solve problems related to thermal phenomena close to equilibrium.

Course contents

1. Introduction

1.1. From systems of a few material points to macroscopic systems
1.2. The coarse-grain approach to describing thermodynamic systems
1.3. Relationship between macroscopic and microscopic approaches
1.4. Intensive and extensive variables

2. Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics and Temperature

2.1. Thermal equilibrium and the zeroth law
2.2. Temperature
2.3. Temperature measurement
2.4. The ideal gas thermometer
2.5. Modern definition of the temperature unit

3. Thermodynamic Systems

3.1. Thermodynamic equilibrium
3.2. Equation of state
3.3. P–V and P–T diagrams of a pure heterogeneous system
3.4. Differential phase changes

4. Work in Thermodynamics

4.1. Work in a hydrostatic system
4.2. Work in composite thermodynamic systems

5. Heat and the First Law of Thermodynamics

5.1. Adiabatic work
5.2. The concept of heat
5.3. Heat capacity
5.4. Heat capacities of a hydrostatic system
5.5. Internal energy and heat capacities of ideal gases
5.6. Quasi-static adiabatic transformations of ideal gases
5.7. Polytropic transformations of ideal gases

6. Statistical Mechanics and Kinetic Theory of Ideal Gases

6.1. Macroscopic and microscopic states: probability
6.2. The concept of a Gibbs ensemble
6.3. Microcanonical ensemble
6.4. Canonical ensemble
6.5. Equipartition theorem
6.6. Kinetic theory of ideal gases – probability distribution of molecular speeds
6.7. Derivation of the ideal gas equation of state
6.8. Molecular effusion
6.9. Collision time and mean free path
6.10. Thermal conductivity

7. Second Law of Thermodynamics

7.1. Conversion of work into heat
7.2. Kelvin–Planck statement
7.3. Clausius statement
7.4. Heat engine
7.5. Refrigerator
7.6. Equivalence of the Kelvin–Planck and Clausius statements
7.7. Carnot engine
7.8. Carnot theorem
7.9. Absolute temperature scale
7.10. Clausius theorem
7.11. Entropy as a state function
7.12. Combination of the first and second laws
7.13. Statistical interpretation of entropy
7.14. Entropy change in ideal gases
7.15. Irreversibility in thermodynamic processes
7.16. Principle of energy degradation
7.17. Heat engines
7.18. Entropy and information
7.19. Gibbs paradox and indistinguishability

8. Pure Substances

8.1. Thermodynamic potentials
8.2. Internal energy
8.3. Enthalpy
8.4. Helmholtz free energy
8.5. Gibbs free energy
8.6. The TdS equations
8.7. Energy equations
8.8. Equations for heat capacities

9. Phase Transitions

9.1. Gibbs free energy and phase diagrams
9.2. Clausius–Clapeyron equation
9.3. First-order and continuous phase transitions
9.4. Spontaneous symmetry breaking

10. Gas Liquefaction

10.1. Joule–Kelvin effect
10.2. Joule–Kelvin coefficient
10.3. Gas liquefaction technology

11. Third Law of Thermodynamics

11.1. Absolute entropy in statistical mechanics
11.2. Statements of the third law
11.3. Implications of the third law

12. Heterogeneous Systems

12.1. Chemical potential in pure heterogeneous systems
12.2. Conditions for thermodynamic equilibrium in a pure heterogeneous system
12.3. Chemical potential in multicomponent heterogeneous systems
12.4. Mixture of inert ideal gases
12.5. Conditions for thermodynamic equilibrium in a multicomponent heterogeneous system
12.6. Gibbs phase rule
12.7. Chemical potential of ideal gases

Readings/Bibliography

Basic textbooks:

L. Pasquini, Termodinamica (dispense dell'insegnamento disponibili su Virtuale)

M. W. Zemansky, Calore e Termodinamica, Zanichelli.

Complementary textbooks:

Stephen Blundell and Katherine Blundell, Concepts in Thermal Physics, 2nd edition, Oxford Univ Press, 2009.

Richard P. Feynman, The Feynman Lectures on Physics, https://www.feynmanlectures.caltech.edu/ Vol- I

Exercises textbooks:

The materials available on Virtuale are sufficient for exam preparation:

• Solved exercises from Module 2

• Past exam papers with solutions

Additional useful problems can be found in various exercise books, such as:

M. Villa, A. Uguzzoni, M. Sioli, "Esercizi di fisica. Termodinamica, fluidi, onde e relatività. Come risolvere i problemi", Zanichelli, 2018.

G. A. Salandin e P. Pavan, "Problemi di Fisica 1", CEA.

S. Longhi et al., "Esercizi di Fisica Generale: Meccanica Termodinamica Elettricità e Magnetismo", Edizioni Esculapio.

C. Mencuccini, V. Silvestrini, "Esercizi di Fisica – Meccanica-Termodinamica", CEA.

Teaching methods

In Module 1, all the topics listed in the “Course Contents” section will be covered through lectures delivered at the blackboard, supported by slide presentations. Most lectures will include moments of active student participation through anonymous interactive quizzes. In addition, selected topics will be introduced by screening scientific outreach videos.

Module 2 will consist of problem-solving sessions at the blackboard, focusing on exercises related to the content covered in Module 1.

Assessment methods

General information on the exam:

• The exam consists of a written test and an oral test.
• There are six exam sessions per academic year: three in summer, one in fall and two in winter. No additional sessions are foreseen.
• Enrollment in the exam list by means of AlmaEsami is mandatory.
• In each written test there are two exercises. To pass the test it is necessary to achieve at least 18 marks over 30. During the test - which lasts 2 hours - the use of an electronic calculator is allowed but it is not possible to consult neither textbooks nor notes.
• The result of the written test is valid up to the winter session. It is highly recommended, but not compulsory, to take the oral exam immediately after the written one.
• Students can repeat a written test if they want to improve their mark. However, keep in mind that previous marks will be deleted.
• The final grade that can be achieved is indicatively the average between written and 31 (30 with honors).
• If a student fails the oral exam, or rejects the mark, the commission will decide whether to keep the mark of the written exam. Please note that, according to the university regulations, the rejection of the grade must be accepted at least once by the commission. From the second refusal onwards the decision is up to the commission itself.

Students with Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) or temporary/permanent disabilities are strongly advised to contact the University's dedicated office in advance (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en ). This office will be responsible for proposing any necessary accommodations to the interested students. Such accommodations must be submitted to the instructor for approval at least 15 days in advance, and will be assessed in relation to the learning objectives of the course.

Teaching tools

-) Slide presentations to highlight key concepts and illustrate diagrams and schemes that are not easily drawn on the board
-) Wooclap for delivering quizzes and enabling peer instruction discussions
-) Screening of videos from scientific outreach channels
-) Supplementary articles for in-depth exploration of specific topics

Office hours

See the website of Luca Pasquini

See the website of