A Student's Guide to Entropy

This book helps readers understand the elusive concept of entropy to supplement undergraduate courses in physics, engineering, chemistry and mathematics.

Don S. Lemons (Author)

9781107011564, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 29 August 2013

194 pages, 38 b/w illus. 51 exercises
23.1 x 15.5 x 1.5 cm, 0.45 kg

'A Student's Guide to Entropy is an excellent textbook for undergraduate students and early stage graduate students in physics and engineering. … Each concept is well defined - mathematical derivation of theories is rigorous and proceeds from fundamental notions to their final form in a methodical, step-by-step manner. The physical meaning of these equations is then explained in simple words, which is perhaps the most impressive feature of this book.' Prashant Khare, Contemporary Physics

Striving to explore the subject in as simple a manner as possible, this book helps readers understand the elusive concept of entropy. Innovative aspects of the book include the construction of statistical entropy from desired properties, the derivation of the entropy of classical systems from purely classical assumptions, and a statistical thermodynamics approach to the ideal Fermi and ideal Bose gases. Derivations are worked through step-by-step and important applications are highlighted in over 20 worked examples. Around 50 end-of-chapter exercises test readers' understanding. The book also features a glossary giving definitions for all essential terms, a time line showing important developments, and list of books for further study. It is an ideal supplement to undergraduate courses in physics, engineering, chemistry and mathematics.

1. Thermodynamic entropy
2. Statistical entropy
3. Entropy of classical systems
4. Entropy of quantized systems
5. Entropy of a non-isolated system
6. Entropy of Fermion systems
7. Entropy of Boson system
8. Entropy of information
Epilogue
Appendixes
Index.

Subject Areas: Chemistry [PN], Statistical physics [PHS], Physics [PH], Mathematics & science [P]