Podcast
Thermal and Statistical Physics
Hosted by Prof. Carlson · EN
Physics 416
Thermal and Statistical Physics
Purdue University
Textbook: Thermal Physics by Kittel and Kroemer
Lectures follow the text fairly closely, so if you're joining us from iTunes, you might enjoy having a copy handy.
Thermal and Statistical Physics
Purdue University
Textbook: Thermal Physics by Kittel and Kroemer
Lectures follow the text fairly closely, so if you're joining us from iTunes, you might enjoy having a copy handy.
12episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Lecture 18: Van Der Waals and Geckos
Nov 2, 2005Tap to summarizeWe derive the shape of the phase boundary for solid to gas transitions (sublimation), examples being dry ice (CO2) or ice at low pressure. We derive the van der Waals equation of state, which is an improvement on the ideal gas equation pV=nRT. The ideal gas equation is based on two assumptions: 1. Particles occupy zero volume, and 2. Particles do not interact. Allowing for particles to have a finite size, and also allowing for the fact that at close range, gas particles feel van der Waals attractions, we get the new improved van der Waals equation of state for a gas made of sticky but hard molecules. Van der Waals attractions work because at close range, atoms and molecules notice each other's dipole moments. The dipole moments are due to the fact that at any given instant, the electron cloud is not quite centered on the nucleus of the atom (although it will be centered on average). This instantaneous dipole moment causes atoms in the vicinity to arrange their instantaneous dipoles so as to lower their energy, which causes attraction. It turns out that geckos can cling to walls and ceilings because of van der Waals attractions. Gecko feet have tiny hairs that split many times to make many very fine tips, giving the hairs a very large total surface area. The fine hairs are able to form many contacts with any surface, and the surface-to-hair contact is adhesive due to van der Waals forces. One gecko foot can support the weight of an entire human.Video: Sticky gecko feet, and their van der Waals adhesive properties. Lecture Audio
Transcribe →Lecture 17: Introduction to Phase Transitions
Oct 31, 2005Tap to summarizeWe finish discussing chemical reactions, including how fast they progress, and what a catalyst can do for you. Then we begin a new topic: phases of matter and phase transitions between them. You've heard of solid, liquid, and gas, but did you know about the other phases of matter? Other phases include liquid crystals (of which there are many types). Also, electrons inside of a solid have their own phase transitions.For example, metals carry current when the electrons inside flow -- that's a liquid phase of electrons. Refrigerator magnets are in a different electronic phase -- there, electrons execute tiny current loops around individual atoms, forming nanosize magnets. When they all align, the phase is called a "ferromagnet", and can be used to post notes to your refrigerator. We also discuss how you can go from liquid to gas and never encounter a phase transition! This is because liquid and gas aren't all that different to begin with. Class discussions: liquid crystal screens, melting snow, and what you really see when water boils.Lecture Audio
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