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The course offers a modern and comprehensible view of thermodynamics by focusing on Entropy as the link between modern physics and the fundamental ideas of classical thermodynamics.
To set the thermodynamic compass, the First Law and Zeroth Laws of thermodynamics are revisited. Thermodynamic state variables and equations of state are discussed. Partial differentiation and line integration are applied to calculate changes in state variables in thermodynamic processes.
Then the probabilistic postulates of Quantum Mechanics are reviewed for the purpose of showing that entropy and the Second Law of thermodynamics are pivotal in establishing the essential connection between axiomatic quantum mechanics and thermodynamics.
Concrete examples, exercises and laboratory simulations stress the meaning, significance and generality of entropy.
More extensive course information is now available on our wiki
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Last Update 9/24/09, webpage created by Corinne Manogue,
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