MOL-006 · Molecular-kinetic theory Sample material

Quantum statistics and the basics of thermodynamics

The Maxwell–Boltzmann distribution, the idea of Fermi–Dirac and Bose–Einstein quantum statistics; basics of thermodynamics: internal energy of an ideal gas, quantity of heat, the mechanical equivalent of heat and the heat capacity of an ideal gas.

Estimated time: 3 h 4 activities

Learning objective

Understand the meaning of the Maxwell–Boltzmann distribution and its conditions of validity.
Know the difference between the quantum statistics of fermions and bosons.
Distinguish internal energy, quantity of heat and work as thermodynamic quantities.
Learn to use the types of heat capacity and the heat balance equation.

Expected outcomes

Calculates the mean occupation number of a level in the MB, FD and BE distributions and compares them.
Calculates the internal energy of an ideal gas using $U = \frac{i}{2}\nu RT$.
Solves heat balance problems (mixing, melting, Joule's experiment).
Relates specific and molar heat capacities and applies Mayer's relation.

Interactive modelMaxwell–Boltzmann, Fermi–Dirac and Bose–Einstein distributions

Activities

Lecture
Lecture · 1 h 20 min · required
Problem solving on the topic "Quantity of heat and heat balance"
Practice · 1 h 20 min · required
Determination of the specific heat capacity of a liquid
Laboratory · 2 h 15 min · optional
Final test
Test · 20 min · required · pass ≥ 70%

Completion conditions

  • Lecture
  • Problem solving on the topic "Quantity of heat and heat balance"
  • Final test — at least 70%