Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics

Thermodynamics began to develop before concepts such as atoms and molecules were known. In this course, instead, the atoms become our starting point. The concepts of temperature and entropy are introduced by mathematically simple statistical reasoning. It results in a kinetic theory of gases. Ideal and real gases, phase transitions and critical point are treated. Thermodynamic processes lead to applications such as heat engines, steam turbines and internal combustion engines.