Studying at York
Thermodynamics & Electromagnetism - PHY00053I
- Department: Physics
- Credit value: 20 credits
- Credit level: I
- Academic year of delivery: 2024-25
Module summary
This module will cover two of the foundational concepts of classical physics: thermodynamics and electromagnetism.
The thermodynamics element will explore the macroscopic picture of energy, distinguishing between the concepts of work and heat, and exploring how their exchange can put crucial bounds on physics in a number of contexts.
The electromagnetism element will develop your skills in electromagnetism to explore the dynamic regime, tackling problems which can be time dependent and in which the fields exist in media other than a vacuum
Related modules
Pre-requisites: Mathematical, Computational & Professional Skills 1, Mathematical, Computational & Professional Skills 2, Electromagnetism & Relativity or equivalents
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 1 2024-25 |
Module aims
This module will cover two cornerstone topics in classical physics: thermodynamics and electromagnetism.
Thermodynamics is a branch of physics that can be applied to any system in which thermal processes are important, although we will concentrate on systems in thermal equilibrium. It is based on four laws (derived from experimental observation) and makes no assumptions about the microscopic character of the system. It is therefore very powerful and general. We will introduce these laws, consider their consequences and apply them to some simple systems.
Electromagnetism is one of the four fundamental forces and is responsible, along with gravity, for the bulk of macroscopic physics. This module solves problems that are time dependent and in which the fields exist in media other than a vacuum.
Module learning outcomes
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Understand and explain fundamental principles of electromagnetism and the standard formulations used to describe them
-
Apply Maxwell’s equations and other physical principles in conjunction with mathematical & computational tools to solve unseen problems in electromagnetism
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Understand how problems in thermal physics can be formulated and solved in terms of heat and work
-
Utilise the laws of thermodynamics to solve thermodynamics problems involving state variables such as thermodynamic potentials and entropy
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Calculate thermodynamic properties of solid, liquid and gaseous materials by use of appropriate assumptions and equations of state, and understand changes of phase
Module content
Electromagnetism component
Maxwell’s equations: coupling of the equations via time dependence; charge conservation & its relation to the Ampere-Maxwell equation; Lorenz gauge; linearity except for source terms; time-dependent closure of the equations; magnetic field in terms of vector potential; statement of Maxwell’s equations in terms of the scalar and vector potentials
Dielectrics: electric dipoles; polarisation vector; displacement field; capacitance of devices with dielectrics; permittivity
Electromagnetic waves: propagation in vacuum and in dielectrics; energy density & Poynting vector; radiation pressure; advanced & retarded potentials; radiation from a dipole antenna
Propagation of waves at an interface: reflection & refraction for EM waves of different polarisations; Brewster’s angle; tunneling; polarisers & quarter wave plates
Problem solving techniques: use of a computer algebra system; multipole expansions; Green’s function solution of Poisson’s equation
Thermodynamics component
Fundamentals: The ideal gas, definitions of heat and work, systems and surroundings, temperature and zeroth law of thermodynamics, quasi-static reversible processes, thermodynamic equilibrium and equation of state.
The first law: The differential form of the first law, thermodynamic pathways, functions of state, exact and inexact differentials.
The second law: Irreversible changes, thermodynamics cycles, Carnot engines, entropy, the equivalence of various formulations of the second law.
Thermodynamic potentials: Enthalpy, Helholtz free energy, Gibbs free energy, Maxwell relations, free energy and thermodynamic equilibrium, the TdS equations, phase transitions, Clausius-Clapyron equation, phase diagrams
Further applications : Application of thermodynamics beyond PV systems, multiphase equations of state, non-ideal gases, the Third Law
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) | 80 |
| Essay/coursework | 20 |
Special assessment rules
Non-reassessable
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) | 80 |
Module feedback
'Feedback’ at a university level can be understood as any part of the learning process which is designed to guide your progress through your degree programme. We aim to help you reflect on your own learning and help you feel more clear about your progress through clarifying what is expected of you in both formative and summative assessments.
A comprehensive guide to feedback and to forms of feedback is available in the Guide to Assessment Standards, Marking and Feedback. This can be found at:
https://www.york.ac.uk/students/studying/assessment-and-examination/guide-to-assessment/
The School of Physics, Engineering & Technology aims to provide some form of feedback on all formative and summative assessments that are carried out during the degree programme. In general, feedback on any written work/assignments undertaken will be sufficient so as to indicate the nature of the changes needed in order to improve the work. Students are provided with their examination results within 25 working days of the end of any given examination period. The School will also endeavour to return all coursework feedback within 25 working days of the submission deadline. The School would normally expect to adhere to the times given, however, it is possible that exceptional circumstances may delay feedback. The School will endeavour to keep such delays to a minimum. Please note that any marks released are subject to ratification by the Board of Examiners and Senate. Meetings at the start/end of each semester provide you with an opportunity to discuss and reflect with your supervisor on your overall performance to date.
Our policy on how you receive feedback for formative and summative purposes is contained in our Physics at York Taught Student Handbook.
Indicative reading
Thermodynamics
Adkins CJ: Equilibrium thermodynamics (CUP)***
Zemansky MW and Dittman RH: Heat and thermodynamics (McGraw-Hill)***
Blundell SJ and KM: Concepts in Thermal Physics (Oxford University Press)**
Electromagnetism
Feynman: Lectures on Physics volume 2 (Addison-Wesley) ****