Physics 3180 (Thermal Physics)
spring 2006
Problem Set 1
(due Wednesday, January 18)
1. Problem 1.4, page 5.
2. Problem 1.12, page 8.
3. Problem 1.14, page 8.
4. Problem 1.16, page 8.
5. Problem 1.18, page 13.
6. Problem 1.23, page 17.
7. Problem 1.28, page 20.
8. Problem 1.32, page 23.
9. Problem 1.34, page 23.
10. Answer the questions on the reverse side of this sheet.
Note on grading: Rather than assigning a score to each separate problem, I will simply
grade the entire problem set on a scale of 0 to 10 points.
Because one of the goals of this course is to develop your communication skills, I will
be looking not just for correct answers, but for complete, logically presented solutions,
including verbal explanations when appropriate. Pretend that you are writing the solution
not for your instructor (who has, after all, already worked the problem), but for the
benefit of a classmate or coworker who is struggling like you to learn the material. Be
clear, concise, and well organized, while using enough English to demonstrate your insight
into the method of the solution and the meaning of the result. Minor errors in algebra or
arithmetic will be forgiven, as long as your solution is otherwise correct and well presented.
