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Thermodynamics Laboratory

Code: 100158
Credits: 5
2026/2027
Degree programme Type Course
Physics OB 3

Contact lecturer

Name :
F. Xavier Alvarez Calafell
Email :
xavier.alvarez@uab.cat

Teaching staff

Pau Solsona Mateos
Albert Beardo Ricol

Group languages

You can consult this information at the end of the document.

Prerequisites

They do not exist.

Objectives

The objectives of the practices of the Thermodynamics Laboratory can be summarized in:

1. Apply the fundamental laws and the theoretical principles of Thermodynamics.

2. Familiarize the student with an experimental subject: importance of the instrumentation in the design of experiments, use of measurement devices, acquisition of data in the laboratory, introduction in the methods of analysis of data, use of computers in the lab, etc.

3. Awakening in the student a critical mind regarding the level of confidence of their measurements, calculations and the interpretation of the results.

4. Motivate the student in the bibliographic research to interpret the experimental results and / or deepen other approaches to a particular experiment.

5. Promote experimental work and scientific discussion in a group

Learning outcomes

  1. Communicate complex information in an effective, clear and concise manner, either orally, in writing or through ICTs, in front of both specialist and general publics.
  2. Use critical reasoning, show analytical skills, correctly use technical language and develop logical arguments
  3. Describe the function and manner of operation of the measuring instruments used.
  4. Analyse and assess the adequacy of the assemblies prepared and carried out, in order to obtain measurements and the desired results.
  5. Determine and measure the variables that describe a physical system.
  6. Correctly assess the uncertainty associated with a measure or set of measures.
  7. Suitably present the results of a series of measures through graphs and perform linear regressions.
  8. Discriminate to the most important dependencies and draw the most conclusions from a set of experimental measurements.
  9. Use digital sensors for measuring magnitudes.
  10. Analyse the influence of various parameters on the simulation of an experiment.
  11. Use basic programmes to write reports and carry out basic data processing.
  12. Describe physical phenomena, identify variables, analyse the influence, presenting the results and conclusions of the work developed in a clear and precise manner.
  13. Foster discussion and critical thinking, evaluating the precision and characteristics of the results obtained.
  14. Write and present the results and conclusions of experimental work with rigor and conciseness.
  15. Work independently, take initiative itself, be able to organize to achieve results and to plan and execute a project.
  16. Working in groups, assume shared responsibilities and interact professionally and constructively with others, showing absolute respect for their rights.
  17. Identify the social, economic and environmental implications of academic and professional activities within one's own area of knowledge.
  18. Explain the explicit or implicit code of practice of one's own area of knowledge.

Contents

THEORY PROGRAM: (1 credit) (4 theory sessions of 2 hours)


- The temperature and its measurement


- The vacuum: obtaining and measuring


- The heat: propagation mechanisms. Calorimetry


- Phase changes and phase diagrams of unary systems


- Non-ideal gas.


PROGRAM OF LABORATORY PRACTICES: (4 credits) (7 laboratory sessions + 1 session of recovery)


I.- Heat propagation


II.- Calorimetry. Determination of specific calories


III.- Ideal gases


IV.- Real gases


V.- Phase transitions


VI.- Partial molar properties


VII.- Vacuum techniques, thermoelectric phenomena and thermal machines

Learning activities and methodology

Title Hours ECTS Learning outcomes
lectures 10 0.4 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12
laboratory practices 30 1.2 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 13, 16
personal working 35 1.4 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15
team working 47 1.88 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16

Lectures:

During the first weeks of the course, there will be 4 introductory lectures in the Thermodynamics laboratory with the subject theory program. Some videos related to the subject of the laboratory will also be screened.

Laboratory practices:

The students, in groups of 3 students (if possible formed by members of both genders), will complete a total of 7 laboratory sessions of approximately 3 hours and a half, during which 10 to 11 different practices will be carried out. Students will previously have the scripts of the practices for their preparation. There will be an additional laboratory session for the recovery of practices.

After each session, the students will submit a full report or a brief report addressing a few key questions.

Annotation: within the schedule set by the centre or degree programme, 15 minutes of one class will be reserved for students to evaluate their lecturers and their courses or modules through questionnaires.

Assessment

Continuous assessment activities

Title Weight Hours ECTS Learning outcomes
Post processing Test 20% 0 0 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 16
Individual Report 30% 0 0 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18
Written exam 30% 3 0.12 5, 8, 9, 10, 12, 15
Group report 20% 0 0 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18

There are seven laboratory sessions consisting of twelve distinc tactivities. Each activity will be done in groups of three students. For three activities, an individual report will be submitted (one for each member of the group). For a fourth activity, a group report will be submitted. For the rest of activities, each group will reply a set of questions that will involve using the measurements obtained in the lab.


Finally, a written exam will take place at the end of the course.

Bibliography

  • M.D. Baró, G. Orriols, F. Pi, R. Pintó i S. Suriñach. Tècniques Experimentals en Física. Col. Materials, 37. Servei de Publicacions de la UAB, Barcelona,1997.           
  • G.Garcia, J.Bisquet, M.J.Hernández, S.Bal·le, Ll.Mañosa, Introducció a l’experimentació, Col. Ciències experimentals, Servei de Publicacions Universitat Jaume I, Castelló, 1999
  • M.D. Baró, S. Bordas, J.A.Ibañez, J.E.Llebot, S.Suriñach. Experiencias de Termodinámica, Servicio de Publicaciones de la U.A.B. Bellaterra (Barcelona), 1985
  • Notes of theory (Campus Virtual)

Software

This subject does not use any particular software

Course groups and languages

The information provided is provisional until November 30. After this date, you will be able to consult the language of each group through this link. To access the information, you will need to enter the course CODE

Type of teaching Group Language Semester Shift
(TE) Theory 1 Catalan first semester morning-mixed
(PLAB) Practical laboratories 1 Catalan first semester afternoon
(PLAB) Practical laboratories 2 Catalan first semester afternoon
(PLAB) Practical laboratories 3 Catalan first semester afternoon
(PLAB) Practical laboratories 4 Catalan first semester afternoon
(PLAB) Practical laboratories 5 Catalan first semester afternoon