The Dynamical Theory of Gases

Jeans's primary aim with the first edition of his book, originally published in 1904, was to 'develop the theory of gases upon as exact a mathematical basis as possible'.

James Jeans (Author)

9781108005647, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 20 July 2009

460 pages
23.4 x 15.6 x 2.4 cm, 0.64 kg

Jeans's primary aim with the first edition of his book, originally published in 1904, was to 'develop the theory of gases upon as exact a mathematical basis as possible'. Twenty years later and those theories were being revolutionised by Quantum Theory. In this fourth edition, Jeans does not attempt to avoid the discoveries of this topical science, but rather exposes the many difficulties that classical theory was experiencing, and how those problems disappeared with Quantum Theory. This edition therefore offers a fascinating insight into a field of physics in transition between two great models of physical science.

1. Introductory chapter
Part I. Mathematical Theory of a Gas in a Steady State: 2. The method of collisions
3. The method of statistical mechanics
4. Comparison between the methods of the two preceding chapters
5. General statistical mechanics and thermodynamics
Part II. Physical Properties of a Gas in a Steady State: 6. Temperature, pressure, etc.
7. Mass motion, thermodynamics, calorimetry and dissociation
Part III. Mathematical Theory of a Gas not in a Steady State: 8. Boltzmann's equation, etc.
9. Maxwell's theory
10. The free path
Part IV. Physical Phenomena of a Gas not in a Steady State: 11. Viscosity
12. Conduction of heat
13. Diffusion
14. The evidence of the kinetic theory as to the size of molecules
15. Aerostatics and planetary atmospheres
Part V. Radiation and the Quantum Theory: 16. Statistical mechanics and the partition of energy in continuous media
17. Radiation and the quantum theory
18. Quantum dynamics.

Subject Areas: Astronomy, space & time [PG]