We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
John W. Daily

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.

Enroll now

Two deals to help you save

We found two deals and offers that may be relevant to this course.
Save money when you learn. All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.

What's inside

Syllabus

Simple Ideal Gas Property Relations
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.
Read more
Mixtures
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.
Photon and Electron Gases
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.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Explores ideal gas behavior, which is foundational in many industries
Taught by John W. Daily, a recognized expert in statistical thermodynamics
Covers essential concepts for understanding the behavior of gases
Provides practical methods for calculating equilibrium properties of gas mixtures
Includes discussion of photon and electron gases, expanding its applicability beyond traditional gases
May require prerequisite knowledge in thermodynamics

Save this course

Save Ideal Gases to your list so you can find it easily later:
Save

Reviews summary

Ideal gases course

According to students, Ideal Gases is a highly-rated course that covers a variety of topics and can be helpful for advanced learners. Students say the lectures are well-designed and the instructor does a good job explaining the material. However, some students did mention difficulty with some aspects of the course, such as exercises being difficult, and quizzes coming before the related lecture.
Provides good understanding of the topic.
"It teaches partition functions for monoatomic and diatomic molecules, i.e., translational, rotational, and vibrational modes, their physical meaning, their use in different contexts, and how to numerically evaluate and plot sets of thermodynamic properties such as specific heat at constant volume, partition functions, and the understanding of the degrees of freedom for molecules composed by several atomic species."
"It also teaches the topic of the mixture of gases, an uncommon topic for physicists."
"I highly recommend this course."
Some aspects can be difficult.
"The exercises are quite random and several are not doable with the knowledge taught int the course, that's quite frustrating."
"It's really nice to see applied thermo and statistics to this field, but mos of the time it seems quizzes don't relate to the material."
"Also I feel some of the quizzes/discussion prompts arrive earlier than the actual lecture related to it; which seemed a bit odd to me."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Ideal Gases with these activities:
Watch online tutorials on ideal gas law
Watching online tutorials can help you learn the basics of ideal gas law at your own pace.
Browse courses on Ideal Gas Law
Show steps
  • Search for online tutorials on ideal gas law.
  • Watch the tutorials and take notes on the key concepts.
  • Try to solve some practice problems based on the concepts you learned.
Review units and basic equations of ideal gas law
By reviewing the units and basic equations of the ideal gas law, you'll have a strong foundation to build on as you progress through the course.
Browse courses on Ideal Gas Law
Show steps
  • Review the SI units of pressure, volume, temperature, and amount of substance.
  • Write down the ideal gas law equation and explain each term.
  • Solve a few simple ideal gas law problems using the equation.
Read a book on the basics of thermodynamics
Reading a book on the basics of thermodynamics will provide you with a deeper understanding of the concepts covered in this course.
Show steps
  • Find a book on the basics of thermodynamics at your local library or bookstore.
  • Read the book and take notes on the key concepts.
  • Complete the practice problems at the end of each chapter.
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Solve ideal gas law problems
Solving practice problems will help you develop your problem-solving skills and deepen your understanding of the ideal gas law.
Browse courses on Ideal Gas Law
Show steps
  • Find a set of practice problems online or in a textbook.
  • Solve the problems using the ideal gas law equation.
  • Check your answers against the provided solutions.
Join a study group to discuss the ideal gas law
Joining a study group will allow you to discuss the ideal gas law with other students and learn from each other.
Browse courses on Ideal Gas Law
Show steps
  • Find a study group that is focused on the ideal gas law.
  • Attend the study group meetings and participate in the discussions.
  • Work with other group members to solve practice problems.
Build a model of an ideal gas
Building a model of an ideal gas will help you visualize the concepts you're learning in this course and deepen your understanding of how gases behave.
Browse courses on Ideal Gas Law
Show steps
  • Gather materials such as balloons, straws, and tape.
  • Build a model of an ideal gas by connecting the balloons with straws.
  • Use your model to demonstrate the properties of an ideal gas, such as its ability to expand and contract.
Attend a workshop on the ideal gas law
Attending a workshop on the ideal gas law will allow you to learn from experts in the field and get hands-on experience with the concepts.
Browse courses on Ideal Gas Law
Show steps
  • Find a workshop on the ideal gas law that is offered by a local university or organization.
  • Register for the workshop and attend the sessions.
  • Participate in the activities and discussions during the workshop.
Create a poster or infographic on the ideal gas law
Creating a poster or infographic will help you organize and synthesize your knowledge of the ideal gas law in a visually appealing way.
Browse courses on Ideal Gas Law
Show steps
  • Gather information about the ideal gas law from your notes, textbooks, and other sources.
  • Decide what type of visual representation you want to create (e.g., poster, infographic, flowchart).
  • Design and create your visual representation.
Volunteer at a science museum or educational center
Volunteering at a science museum or educational center will allow you to share your knowledge of the ideal gas law with others and reinforce your own understanding.
Browse courses on Thermodynamics
Show steps
  • Find a science museum or educational center that offers volunteer opportunities.
  • Apply for a volunteer position and complete the necessary training.
  • Volunteer your time to help with activities and programs related to the ideal gas law.

Career center

Learners who complete Ideal Gases will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Physicist
Physicists study the fundamental laws of nature and the behavior of matter and energy. This course may be useful because it provides a foundation in the behavior of ideal gases, which are used in a wide range of physics experiments.
Research Scientist
Research Scientists conduct research in a variety of fields, including physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering. This course may be useful because it provides a foundation in the behavior of ideal gases, which are used in a wide range of scientific research.
Thermodynamics Engineer
Thermodynamics Engineers design and build systems that involve the transfer of heat and energy. This course may be useful because it provides a foundation in the behavior of ideal gases, which are used in the design and analysis of thermodynamic systems.
Materials Scientist
Materials Scientists research and develop new materials with improved properties, such as strength, durability, and conductivity. This course may be useful because it provides a foundation in the behavior of ideal gases, which are used in the production and characterization of materials.
Chemical Engineer
Chemical Engineers apply the principles of chemistry, biology, physics, and mathematics to solve problems involving the production or use of chemicals, fuels, drugs, food, and other products. This course may be useful because it provides a foundation in the behavior of ideal gases, which are commonly used in chemical processes.
Nuclear Engineer
Nuclear Engineers design, build, and operate nuclear power plants and other nuclear facilities. This course may be useful because it provides a foundation in the behavior of ideal gases, which are used in nuclear reactors.
Petroleum Engineer
Petroleum Engineers design and build systems for the exploration, production, and transportation of oil and gas. This course may be useful because it provides a foundation in the behavior of ideal gases, which are used in the production and transportation of oil and gas.
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical Engineers design and build machines, engines, and other mechanical systems. This course may be useful because it provides a foundation in the behavior of ideal gases, which are used in the design and analysis of mechanical systems.
Process Engineer
Process Engineers design and build chemical plants and other industrial facilities. This course may be useful because it provides a foundation in the behavior of ideal gases, which are used in the design and analysis of chemical processes.
Polymer Scientist
Polymer Scientists research and develop new polymers with improved properties, such as strength, durability, and conductivity. This course may be useful because it provides a foundation in the behavior of ideal gases, which are used in the production and characterization of polymers.
Data Scientist
Data Scientists collect, analyze, and interpret data. This course may be useful for Data Scientists who work on projects involving the analysis of physical systems, such as the behavior of gases.
Technical Writer
Technical Writers create technical documentation, such as manuals, reports, and proposals. This course may be useful because it provides a foundation in the behavior of ideal gases, which is a topic that is often covered in technical documentation.
Science Teacher
Science Teachers teach science at the high school or college level. This course may be useful because it provides a foundation in the behavior of ideal gases, which is a topic that is typically taught in high school and college science courses.
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts provide advice to businesses and individuals on financial matters. This course may be useful for Financial Analysts who work on projects involving the analysis of energy markets, which often involve the behavior of ideal gases.
Software Developer
Software Developers design and build software applications. This course may be useful for Software Developers who work on applications that involve the simulation of physical systems, such as games or scientific simulations.

Reading list

We've selected 15 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Ideal Gases.
Provides a comprehensive overview of physical chemistry, including a detailed discussion of the ideal gas law. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the fundamental principles of chemistry.
Provides a more in-depth discussion of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, including a detailed treatment of the ideal gas law. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the theoretical foundations of chemistry.
Provides a comprehensive overview of statistical and thermal physics, including a detailed discussion of the ideal gas law. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the fundamental principles of physics.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the statistical mechanics of solids, including a discussion of the ideal gas law. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the statistical foundations of physics.
Provides a comprehensive overview of thermodynamics, including a detailed discussion of the ideal gas law. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the fundamental principles of thermodynamics.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the kinetic theory of gases, including a detailed discussion of the ideal gas law. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the statistical foundations of thermodynamics.
Provides a comprehensive overview of statistical physics, including a discussion of the ideal gas law. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the statistical foundations of physics.
Provides a comprehensive overview of modern statistical mechanics, including a discussion of the ideal gas law. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the statistical foundations of physics.
Provides a comprehensive overview of statistical mechanics, including a discussion of the ideal gas law. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the statistical foundations of physics.
Provides a comprehensive overview of thermal physics, including a detailed discussion of the ideal gas law. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the fundamental principles of physics.
Provides a comprehensive overview of molecular science, including a discussion of the ideal gas law. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the structure and properties of molecules.
Provides a classic introduction to statistical thermodynamics, including a discussion of the ideal gas law. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the statistical foundations of thermodynamics.
Classic textbook on statistical thermodynamics. It provides a clear and concise introduction to the subject, and it valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the statistical foundations of thermodynamics.
Provides a clear and concise introduction to thermodynamics and statistical physics, including a discussion of the ideal gas law. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the fundamental principles of physics.
Provides a comprehensive overview of quantum chemistry, including a discussion of the ideal gas law. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the quantum foundations of chemistry.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Here are nine courses similar to Ideal Gases.
Dense Gases, Liquids and Solids
Most relevant
Non-Equilibrium Applications of Statistical Thermodynamics
Most relevant
Engineering Thermodynamics (II) | 工程热力学(下)
Most relevant
Flow of fluids through piping systems , valves and pumps
Most relevant
Petroleum Refining - Complete Guide to Products &...
Unconventional Reservoir Geomechanics
Requirement Specifications for Autonomous Systems
Cardiovascular & Respiratory Systems
Smart Materials: Microscale and Macroscale Approaches
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2024 OpenCourser