F6082 Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics

Faculty of Science
Spring 2026
Extent and Intensity
2/1/0. 4 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
In-person direct teaching
Teacher(s)
prof. Rikard Sebastian von Unge, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Mgr. Lenka Czudková, Ph.D. (lecturer)
prof. Rikard Sebastian von Unge, Ph.D. (seminar tutor)
Mgr. Lenka Czudková, Ph.D. (seminar tutor)
Guaranteed by
prof. Rikard Sebastian von Unge, Ph.D.
Department of Theoretical Physics and Astrophysics – Physics Section – Faculty of Science
Supplier department: Department of Theoretical Physics and Astrophysics – Physics Section – Faculty of Science
Timetable
Mon 16. 2. to Fri 22. 5. Thu 12:00–13:50 F4,03017, Thu 14:00–14:50 F4,03017
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is offered to students of any study field.
Abstract
The subject is an introductory university course of thermodynamics and statistical physics. Contrary to the elements of these disciplines presented partially in the preceding course of general physics it is based on the more general approach (leant on the concepts of thermodynamic potentials and canonic distributions) which enable to join both disciplines into unitary method of statistical thermodynamics. Stress is laid on thorough explanation of basic notions and ideas of thermodynamics and statistical physics and on the discussion of wide range of applications.
Learning outcomes
At the end of this course, students should: understand and be able to explain basic concepts and ideas of thermodynamics and statistical physics; understand and be able to explain both their interconnections and wider relations; be able to analyze and solve application problems.
Key topics
  • 1. Basics of statistics and statistical physics. Micro- and Macro-states. Microcanonical ensemble. Definition of energy, entropy, temperature and heat.
  • 2. Definitions of Pressure and Work (and Chemical potential).
  • 3. Description of the system from perspective of thermodynamics.
  • 4. (Elementary) processes in thermodynamic systems.
  • 5. Heat engines.
  • 6. Thermodynamic potentials. Maxwell relations.
  • 7. Equilibrium and stability. Fun with Thermodynamic potentials.
  • 8. Phase transitions. The Van der Waals gas. The Joule-Thompson process.
  • 9. The canonical ensemble. Partition sums. Density of states.
  • 10. The Maxwell-Bolzmann gas. Proof of the equipartition theorem.
  • 11. A microscopic calculation of the pressure.
  • 12.  Black body radiation.
Study resources and literature
  • LACINA, Aleš. Základy termodynamiky a statistické fyziky. 1. vyd. Praha: Státní pedagogické nakladatelství, 1990, 267 s. ISBN 8021001135. info
  • LEONTOVIČ, Michail Aleksandrovič. Úvod do thermodynamiky. 1. vyd. Praha: Nakladatelství Československé akademie věd, 1957, 191 s. info
  • KITTEL, Charles and Herbert KROEMER. Thermal Physics. 2nd ed. New York: W.H. Freeman, 1980, 473 s. ISBN 0-7167-1088-9. info
  • REIF, F. Statistical physics. New York: McGraw-Hill Book Company, 1967, xxi, 398. info
  • SCHROEDER, Daniel V. An Introduction to Thermal Physics. San Francisco: Addison Wesley Longman, 2000, 422 pp. ISBN 0-201-38027-7. info
Approaches, practices, and methods used in teaching
Lecture with a seminar.
Method of verifying learning outcomes and course completion requirements
Examination consists of two parts: written (at least 50% points) and oral.
Language of instruction
Czech
Further comments (probably available only in Czech)
Study Materials
The course is taught annually.
Listed among pre-requisites of other courses
The course is also listed under the following terms spring 2012 - acreditation, Spring 2013, Spring 2014, Spring 2015, Spring 2016, Spring 2017, spring 2018, Spring 2019, Spring 2020, Spring 2021, Spring 2022, Spring 2023, Spring 2024, Spring 2025, Spring 2027.
  • Enrolment Statistics (recent)
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