Course 4 of Statistical Thermodynamics addresses dense gases, liquids, and solids. As the density of a gas is increased, intermolecular forces begin to affect behavior. For small departures from ideal gas behavior, known as the dense gas limit, one can estimate the change in properties using the concept of a configuration integral, a modification to the partition function. This leads to the development of equations of state that are expansions in density from the ideal gas limit. Inter molecular potential energy functions are introduced and it is explored how they impact P-V-T behavior. As the density is increased, there is a transition to the liquid state. We explore whether this transition is smooth or abrupt by examining the stability of a thermodynamic system to small perturbations. We then present a brief discussion regarding the determination of the thermodynamic properties of liquids using concept of the radial distribution function (RDF), and how the function relates to thermodynamic properties. Finally, we explore two simple models of crystalline solids.
This course is part of the Statistical Thermodynamics Specialization
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Coursera Labs
Includes hands on learning projects.
Learn more about Coursera Labs Course 4 of 5 in the
Advanced Level
Approx. 5 hours to complete
English
Could your company benefit from training employees on in-demand skills?
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- Gases
- Solids
- Thermodynamics
- Liquids
- Mechanical Engineering
Flexible deadlines
Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.
Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion
100% online
Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Coursera Labs
Includes hands on learning projects.
Learn more about Coursera Labs Course 4 of 5 in the
Advanced Level
Approx. 5 hours to complete
English
Could your company benefit from training employees on in-demand skills?
Try Coursera for BusinessOffered by
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
2 hours to complete
The Configuration Integral
2 hours to complete
4 videos (Total 24 min), 4 readings
2 hours to complete
Thermodynamic Stability
2 hours to complete
3 videos (Total 16 min), 3 readings, 1 quiz
1 hour to complete
The radial distribution function, thermodynamic properties, and MD simulations of liquid properties
1 hour to complete
3 videos (Total 20 min), 3 readings
1 hour to complete
Crystalline Solids
1 hour to complete
2 videos (Total 14 min), 2 readings, 3 quizzes
Reviews
- 5 stars70.64%
- 4 stars16.51%
- 3 stars6.42%
- 2 stars1.83%
- 1 star4.58%
TOP REVIEWS FROM DENSE GASES, LIQUIDS AND SOLIDS
by KMApr 10, 2021
Great course to learn about Dense Gases, Liquids, and Solid. I highly recommend this course.
by SSJun 1, 2020
Amazing course for statistical thermodynamics. Learned the origins of specific heat for solids and how they are calculated.
by AOAug 29, 2020
It is a good course. It teaches you patience and equally to work hard
About the Statistical Thermodynamics Specialization

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