MATERIAL PHYSICS WITH EXERCISES MOD. 1
1) A short review of Thermodynamics. Elements of equilibrium, classical statistical physics and kinetic theories. Ergodicity hypothesis. Theory of representative ensembles. Equipartition theorem. Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution. Collisions, cross sections and mean free path. Transport coefficients in gases. Brownian motion. Phase transitions. Ising model and mean field approximation (16 h).
2) Generalization of classical distributions for indistinguishable particles: Maxwell—Boltzmann, Bose-Einstein, Fermi--Dirac. Classical limit. Equilibrium between matter and radiation: photons. Bose-Einstein condensation. Electron gas. Specific heat of solids: phonons (12 h).
3) Interaction of radiation with matter in classical physics. Elements of quantum mechanics: angular momentum, Hydrogen atom (6 h).
4) Absorption and emission of radiation, Fermi golden rule. Einstein coefficients. Zeeman effect. Electron spin. Relativistic effects: spin-orbit interaction. Fine structure of the emission lines. Lamb shift. Anomalous Zeeman effect (8 h).
5) Atomic structure. Helium atom. Self consistent field (2 h).
The student will find useful material in the following books:
F. Reif: Fundamentals of Statistical and Thermal Physics
or
K.Huang: Introduction to statistical physics.
B.H. Bransden, C.J. Joachain: Physics of Atoms and Molecules
Other less advanced books are also available:
R.M. Eisberg, R. Resnick: Quantum Physics of Atoms, Molecules, Solids, Nuclei, and Particles
J.J. Brehm, W.J. Mullins: Introduction to the Structure of Matter: A Course in Modern Physics
The course is essentially based on lectures, during which the teacher presents the contents of the course in full detail, including mathematical derivations. At the end of each section, as previously detailed, few exercises will be provided. The next week the teacher will make available their solutions on the e-learning site.
The teacher is available for questions by appointment. The teacher e-mail is:
alberto.parola@uninsubria.it