2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

PHYS2355 Physics for Materials

20 creditsClass Size: 50

Module manager: Dr Thomas Moore
Email: T.A.Moore@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

Pre-requisite qualifications

Year 1 Materials Science and Engineering

This module is mutually exclusive with

PHYS2300	Physics 3- Fields and Energy
PHYS2311	Physics 4- Quantum Phenomena

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module covers the fundamental physics of thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, solid state and condensed matter physics. Theoretical understanding will be supported by worked examples and problem solving techniques. These topics are the foundation of advanced level materials physics topics.

Objectives

This module will introduce physics of thermodynamics, statistical mechanics and solid state materials. Students will be taught the underlying theories and then work through a number of examples, learning how to apply fundamental physics and mathematics to solve problems in this area.

The course is taught through a combination of large lectures and small workshops/tutorials.

Learning outcomes
By the end of this module, you should be better able to:

A: In thermal physics and statistical mechanics:
- Give examples of the emergence of thermodynamic phenomena in systems with large numbers of particles;
- Use the Boltzmann factor to calculate occupation probabilities of states;
- Use Boltzmann, Fermi-Dirac or Bose-Einstein statistics as appropriate to discuss basic thermodynamic properties of the two level paramagnet, the degenerate electron gas and blackbody radiation;
- Discuss the concept of entropy from both the thermodynamic and statistical points of view and calculate entropy changes in irreversible processes;
- Define enthalpy, the Helmholtz function and the Gibbs function and discuss their utility;
- State and discuss the four laws of thermodynamics, including various alternative formulations of each law;
- Use these laws, and Maxwell relations to solve simple thermodynamic problems;
- Describe the phase diagram for a one-component system, derive the Clausius-Clapeyron equation and use it to solve problems relating to the dependence of a phase transition on temperature and pressure.

B: In solid state physics:
- Use the density of states to explain some of the differences between metals, semiconductors and insulators;
- Derive the free-electron density of states;
- Perform straight-forward calculations based on the free-electron theory;
- Explain how a periodic potential modifies the free-electron dispersion relation;
- Solve problems on the transport properties of semiconductors;
- Calculate the magnetic properties (consistent with the syllabus) of paramagnets and ferromagnets.

Syllabus

Thermal Physics

- Revision: First law; isothermal, adiabatic and quasi-static reversible changes; equations of state.
- Second law, and entropy as a measure of disorder. Calculation of entropy change in irreversible processes.
- Thermodynamic potentials: enthalpy, Helmholtz and Gibbs free energies. Maxwell relations, phase equilibrium and the Clausius-Clapeyron equation.
- Third law.

Statistical Physics

- Macrostates and Microstates.
- Boltzmann statistics for distinguishable particles. Partition functions. Two-level paramagnet.
- Statistics of indistinguishable particles. Introduction to Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein statistics.

Condensed Matter:
- Free electron model;
- Phonons;
- Electrons in a periodic potential
- Semiconductors;
- Magnetic properties of solids.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	40	1.00	40.00
Seminar	20	1.00	20.00
Private study hours			140.00
Total Contact hours			60.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

During workshops and through regular homework assignments.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Assignment	Written work	20.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		20.00

Homework sheet of questions.

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) (S1)	1 hr 30 mins	40.00
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) (S2)	1 hr 30 mins	40.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		80.00

2 sides, A4, student generated, crib sheet permitted. Programmable calculators permitted

Reading list

There is no reading list for this module

Last updated: 01/11/2024

Disclaimer

Browse Other Catalogues

• Undergraduate module catalogue
• Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
• Undergraduate programme catalogue
• Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team.PROD