Course 2024-2025

Thermodynamique (thermodynamics) [SPHYB205]

  • 3 credits
  • 30h
  • 1st quarter
Language of instruction: French / Français

Learning outcomes

This subject is part of the training in general physics and is therefore an essential topic for the training of physicists.

Objectives

The student will develop a fundamental understanding of the main state fundtions in thermodynamics: internal energy, enthalpy, free energy and entropy. Antoher objective is to show how this matter lies in the borders of physics, chemistry or even biology, as it determines how systems are evolving.

Content

The approach of thermodynamics follows the historic path (Carnot, Joule, Clausius...), after which more formal concepts are introduced and several applications are considered. Thereafter, these concepts are revisited in the light of statistical mechanics (Boltzmann's principle)

Table of contents

- first principle

- second principle

- entropy

- thermodynamics properties and relations

- third principle

- introduction to statistical themodynamics, Boltzmann's principle


Teaching methods

Lectures given using the blackboard, together with projections. Some experiments are shown. Lecture notes are available.

Evaluations

Examinations are oral, with a one-hour preparation.

Recommended readings

None

Language of instruction

French / Français

Location for course

NAMUR

Organizer

Faculté des sciences
Rue de Bruxelles, 61
5000 NAMUR

Degree of Reference

Undergraduate Degree