Thermodynamics

Lecture Description

This is the first of a series of lectures on thermodynamics. The discussion begins with understanding "temperature." Zeroth's law is introduced and explained. Concepts such as "absolute zero" and "triple point of water" are defined. Measuring temperature through a number of instruments is addressed as well as the different scales of measurement. The second half of the lecture is devoted to heat and heat transfer. Concepts such as "convection" and "conduction" are explained thoroughly.

Course Description

This course provides a thorough introduction to the principles and methods of physics for students who have good preparation in physics and mathematics. Emphasis is placed on problem solving and quantitative reasoning. This course covers Newtonian mechanics, special relativity, gravitation, thermodynamics, and waves.

Related Resources

Lecture Transcript, Reading Assignment, Handouts, and Problem Sets

Course Index

1. Course Introduction and Newtonian Mechanics
2. Vectors in Multiple Dimensions
3. Newton's Laws of Motion
4. Newton's Laws (cont.) and Inclined Planes
5. Work-Energy Theorem and Law of Conservation of Energy
6. Law of Conservation of Energy in Higher Dimensions
7. Kepler's Laws
8. Dynamics of a Multiple-Body System and Law of Conservation of Momentum
9. Rotations, Part I: Dynamics of Rigid Bodies
10. Rotations, Part II: Parallel Axis Theorem
11. Torque
12. Introduction to Relativity
13. Lorentz Transformation
14. Introduction to the Four-Vector
15. Four-Vector in Relativity
16. The Taylor Series and Other Mathematical Concepts
17. Simple Harmonic Motion
18. Simple Harmonic Motion (cont.) and Introduction to Waves
19. Waves
20. Fluid Dynamics and Statics and Bernoulli's Equation
21. Thermodynamics
22. The Boltzmann Constant and First Law of Thermodynamics
23. The Second Law of Thermodynamics and Carnot's Engine
24. The Second Law of Thermodynamics (cont.) and Entropy