We develop thermodynamics and statistical mechanics from the unified perspective of entropy maximization and emphasize the relation to scientific inference. We emphasize the nature and role of measurements in the development of thermodynamic theory. The role of controllable variables and the nature of heat is presented. We then review concepts such as the Gibbs-Duhem relation, Legendre transformations, extremum principle in various representations, and stability. The importance of experimentation in what is otherwise regarded as an "abstract" subject is throughout emphasized
In developing statistical mechanics, we motivate the inferential aspect and discuss how Shannon's entropy quantifies the uncertainty of a probability distribution. Once again controllability/measurability is discussed and it is shown how these are reflected in the ensemble and thus the probability distribution itself.
We will cover the standard topics on statistical mechanics of simple gases and solids, chemical equilibria, solutions and mixtures, adsorption/binding, solvation (including hydration), a brief discussion of Debye-Huckel theory and its importance in biophysics, and a brief discussion of phase transitions (including a discussion of renormalization group).
Time permitting we discuss specialized topics, especially those dealing with modern advances in theory and experimentation such as single molecule measurements and nonequilibrium work relations.
Fall 2011 course information
Dheeraj Tomar (Graduate student) will be the teaching assistant.
Grading: 70% will be based on projects and 30% will be based on in-class quizzes.
We will rely extensively on class notes. Since Fall 2010, we have switched to "Molecular driving forces" by Ken Dill. It is a required text for this course; reading assignments and problems will be assigned from this text.
The text "Thermodynamics and an introduction to thermostatistics" by Callen was used as the class text in earlier years. This wonderful text is highly recommended for the motivated student.