Useful Links
Physics
Foundational Physics
Thermal Physics
1. Introduction to Thermal Physics
2. Heat and the First Law of Thermodynamics
3. The Second Law of Thermodynamics
4. Kinetic Theory of Gases
5. Statistical Mechanics
6. Applications and Advanced Topics
Kinetic Theory of Gases
Microscopic Model of an Ideal Gas
Assumptions of the Kinetic Model
Point Particles
No Intermolecular Forces
Random Motion
Elastic Collisions
Classical Mechanics
Validity and Limitations
Pressure from Molecular Motion
Derivation of Pressure
Molecular Collisions with Walls
Force and Momentum Transfer
Kinetic Interpretation of Pressure
Ideal Gas Law from Kinetic Theory
Temperature and Molecular Speed
Kinetic Interpretation of Temperature
Average Kinetic Energy
Relationship to Temperature
Root-Mean-Square Speed
Definition and Calculation
Temperature Dependence
Molecular Speed Distributions
The Equipartition of Energy Theorem
Statement of the Theorem
Classical Statistical Mechanics Basis
Degrees of Freedom
Translational Degrees of Freedom
Rotational Degrees of Freedom
Vibrational Degrees of Freedom
Energy per Degree of Freedom
Application to Different Molecules
Monatomic Gases
Diatomic Gases
Polyatomic Gases
Molar Specific Heats from Equipartition
Predictions and Comparisons
Limitations at Low Temperatures
The Maxwell-Boltzmann Distribution
Derivation of the Distribution
Mathematical Formulation
Graphical Representation
Temperature Dependence
Characteristic Speeds
Most Probable Speed
Average Speed
Root-Mean-Square Speed
Relationships Among Speeds
Applications and Implications
Mean Free Path and Collisions
Definition of Mean Free Path
Molecular Cross-Section
Calculation of Mean Free Path
Collision Frequency
Dependence on Pressure and Temperature
Transport Properties
Viscosity
Thermal Conductivity
Diffusion
Previous
3. The Second Law of Thermodynamics
Go to top
Next
5. Statistical Mechanics