Thermodynamics and statistical mechanics at the same time

[vincent_vega]

I'm a junior chemical engineering major. How much overlap is there between stat mech and engineering theromdynamics? I was thinking about taking both next semester assuming they are not too similar. Are the topics different enough to warrant taking them at the same time?

 

[king vitamin]

You should talk to the stat mech professor. It really depends on what the professor chooses to cover. I would guess they'd complement each other really well though.

 

[chill_factor]

if you passed general physics you can pass both at the same time. All I remember for engineering thermo was looking at steam tables. In chemical thermo AKA stat mech it was all partition functions.

 

[clope023]

I'm doing intermediate E&M and plasma physics at the same time, it's not ideal but it's doable.

 

[vincent_vega]

Thanks, I'll ask the professor. They tend not to respond though.

For the stat mech class, my school uses "Thermal Physics" by kittel if that tells you anything.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0716710889/?tag=pfamazon01-20

Also, my concern isn't that it will be too hard. I'm just wondering if the courses are too similar to make it worth taking both