Course 3 of Statistical Thermodynamics, Ideal Gases, explores the behavior of systems when intermolecular forces are not important. This done by evaluating the appropriate partition functions for translational, rotational, vibrational and/or electronic motion. We start with pure ideal gases including monatomic, diatomic and polyatomic species. We then discuss both non-reacting and reacting ideal gas mixtures as both have many industrial applications. Computational methods for calculating equilibrium properties are introduced. We also discuss practical sources of ideal gas properties. Interestingly, in addition to normal low density gases, photons and electrons in metals can be described as though they are ideal gases and so we discuss them.
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Ideal Gases
This course is part of Statistical Thermodynamics Specialization
Instructor: John W. Daily
6,423 already enrolled
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(141 reviews)
What you'll learn
Analyze the behavior of monatomic, diatomic, and polyatomic ideal gases under various conditions
Describe the distinction between pure ideal gases and ideal gas mixtures and their industrial applications
Identify the key components of the partition functions used to describe translational, rotational, vibrational, and electronic motion
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There are 3 modules in this course
Module 1 starts an exploration of systems for which intermolecular forces are not important. This is done by evaluating the appropriate partition functions for translational, rotational, vibrational and/or electronic motion. In this module we explore pure ideal gases including monatomic, diatomic and polyatomic species. We also explore literature sources of properties and empirical estimation methods.
What's included
5 videos5 readings4 assignments3 discussion prompts
In Module 2 we discuss both non-reacting and reacting ideal gas mixtures as both have many industrial applications. Computational methods for calculating equilibrium properties are introduced.
What's included
3 videos3 readings3 discussion prompts
Interestingly, in addition to normal low density gases, photons and electrons in metals can be described as though they are ideal gases and so we discuss them.
What's included
2 videos2 readings1 assignment1 discussion prompt
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