Thermal Physics

This textbook provides a clear, instructive and highly readable introduction to thermal physics.

Ralph Baierlein (Author)

9780521658386, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 15 July 1999

460 pages, 119 b/w illus. 1 colour illus. 41 tables
24.4 x 17 x 2.8 cm, 0.77 kg

'Thermal Physics is conceptually clear, yet mathematically rigorous. The book is unique in its approach in that it moves from the familiar to the abstract. The initial chapters of the book provide a review of freshman thermodynamics and a bridge to the rest of the text, the topics of classical statistical mechanics and quantum statistics. A class based on the text will well prepare students for a graduate class in thermal physics.' S. C. Tegler, Northern Arizona University

Clear and reader-friendly, this is an ideal textbook for students seeking an introduction to thermal physics. Written by an experienced teacher and extensively class-tested, Thermal Physics provides a comprehensive grounding in thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, and kinetic theory. A key feature of this text is its readily accessible introductory chapters, which begin with a review of fundamental ideas. Entropy, conceived microscopically and statistically, and the Second Law of Thermodynamics are introduced early in the book. Throughout, topics are built on a conceptual foundation of four linked elements: entropy and the Second Law, the canonical probability distribution, the partition function, and the chemical potential. As well as providing a solid preparation in the basics of the subject, the text goes on to explain exciting recent developments such as Bose-Einstein condensation and critical phenomena. Key equations are highlighted throughout, and each chapter contains a summary of essential ideas and an extensive set of problems of varying degrees of difficulty. A free solutions manual is available for instructors (ISBN 0521 658608). Thermal Physics is suitable for both undergraduates and graduates in physics and astronomy.

Preface
1. Background
2. The second law of thermodynamics
3. Entropy and efficiency
4. Entropy in quantum theory
5. The canonical probability distribution
6. Photons and phonons
7. The chemical potential
8. The quantum ideal gas
9. Fermions and bosons at low temperature
10. The free energies
11. Chemical equilibrium
12. Phase equilibrium
13. The classical limit
14. Approaching zero
15. Transport processes
16. Critical phenomena
Epilogue
Appendix A. Physical and mathematical data
Appendix B. Examples of estimating occupation numbers
Appendix C. The framework of probability theory
Appendix D. Qualitative perspectives on the van der Waals equation
Index.

Subject Areas: Thermodynamics & heat [PHH]