Undergrad Frustration: Dealing With Thermal Physics

  • Thread starter Thread starter eep
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Undergrad
AI Thread Summary
A college junior expresses frustration with their "Thermal Physics" class, finding the textbook material engaging but struggling with problem sets and understanding the questions. They inquire if others have faced similar challenges and whether the presentation of the material could be a factor. Another participant mentions using Kittel and Kroemer's "Thermal Physics" and notes difficulties with complex thermodynamic identities. The discussion highlights the importance of communicating with the instructor for guidance and potential alternative resources, emphasizing that feeling lost in such a course is common. Seeking help from the teacher is recommended as a way to gain insights and improve understanding.
eep
Messages
225
Reaction score
0
Hi,
I'm a junior in college right now and I'm getting extremely frustrated with one of my classes this semester - "Thermal Physics". When I read the textbook, I find the material to be interested, however when it comes to problem sets I don't even understand what the questions are asking for sometimes. This is the first time I've ever come across a physics class where I felt lost. Has anyone else run into similar issues? Could it possibly be just the way the material is presented? Any suggestions on how to deal with this class?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
eep said:
Hi,
I'm a junior in college right now and I'm getting extremely frustrated with one of my classes this semester - "Thermal Physics". When I read the textbook, I find the material to be interested, however when it comes to problem sets I don't even understand what the questions are asking for sometimes. This is the first time I've ever come across a physics class where I felt lost. Has anyone else run into similar issues? Could it possibly be just the way the material is presented? Any suggestions on how to deal with this class?


What book are you using?

I'm in my first quarter of Thermal Physics right now.
 
Kittel and Kroemer - Thermal Physics, 2nd Edition. We're only very loosely following the book, however. The problem sets usually consist of 4 problems, 1 of which is from Kittel and Kroemer. I'm really having problems with more complex uses of thermodynamic identitities. I don't understand when it's beneficial to replace one differential element with another.
 
talk to ur teacher ..he or she might havea suggestion... he or she may suggest another book,,if ur not using theirs ...but talk to them anywayz.
 
That's complete normal to not get a course.

The best thing to do is what michaelsmith said. You never know what kind of insight they might give you.
 

Thread 'What are the best A-Level options for someone wanting to do Physics?'

Bit Britain-specific but I was wondering, what's the best path to take for A-Levels out of the following (I know Y10 seems a bit early to be thinking about A-levels, but my choice will impact what I do this year/ in y11) I (almost) definitely want to do physics at University - so keep that in mind... The subjects that I'm almost definitely going to take are Maths, Further Maths and Physics, and I'm taking a fast track programme which means that I'll be taking AS computer science at the end...
View full post »

Thread 'Hepth programs in Europe'

After a year of thought, I decided to adjust my ratio for applying the US/EU(+UK) schools. I mostly focused on the US schools before, but things are getting complex and I found out that Europe is also a good place to study. I found some institutes that have professors with similar interests. But gaining the information is much harder than US schools (like you have to contact professors in advance etc). For your information, I have B.S. in engineering (low GPA: 3.2/4.0) in Asia - one SCI...
View full post »

Thread 'Should I pursue a masters degree after 4.5 years working in IT?'

I graduated with a BSc in Physics in 2020. Since there were limited opportunities in my country (mostly teaching), I decided to improve my programming skills and began working in IT, first as a software engineer and later as a quality assurance engineer, where I’ve now spent about 3 years. While this career path has provided financial stability, I’ve realized that my excitement and passion aren’t really there, unlike what I felt when studying or doing research in physics. Working in IT...
View full post »

Similar threads

Admissions Plasma Physics PhD from an EE undergrad
Replies
4
Views
1K
Physics knowledge advice for a Civil Engineering undergrad
Replies
8
Views
2K
Programs Questions About Referrals for Physics REUs (for Undergrads)
Replies
4
Views
2K
Schools Is a top physics grad school possible with a lower tier undergrad?
Replies
11
Views
3K
Programs Cal Poly SLO vs a UCSB Physics Undergrad
Replies
14
Views
3K
Courses Math Course Advice -- Harvard freshman planning to double major in physics and mathematics
Replies
41
Views
5K
Other Could/Should I still go for a PhD?
Replies
4
Views
1K
Other Engineering Physics vs Pure Physics
Replies
11
Views
3K
Schools Is This a Typical Undergrad Physics Experience?
Replies
13
Views
2K
Preparing for Physics Grad School after Math/Comp Sci undergrad
Replies
8
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top