Thermodynamics and an Introduction to Thermostatistics

Herbert B. Callen (Author)

9780471862567, Wiley

Paperback / softback, published 23 October 1985

512 pages
24.4 x 16 x 2.9 cm, 0.846 kg

The only text to cover both thermodynamic and statistical mechanics--allowing students to fully master thermodynamics at the macroscopic level. Presents essential ideas on critical phenomena developed over the last decade in simple, qualitative terms. This new edition maintains the simple structure of the first and puts new emphasis on pedagogical considerations. Thermostatistics is incorporated into the text without eclipsing macroscopic thermodynamics, and is integrated into the conceptual framework of physical theory.

GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF CLASSICAL THERMODYNAMICS.

The Problem and the Postulates.

The Conditions of Equilibrium.

Some Formal Relationships, and Sample Systems.

Reversible Processes and the Maximum Work Theorem.

Alternative Formulations and Legendre Transformations.

The Extremum Principle in the Legendre Transformed Representations.

Maxwell Relations.

Stability of Thermodynamic Systems.

First-Order Phase Transitions.

Critical Phenomena.

The Nernst Postulate.

Summary of Principles for General Systems.

Properties of Materials.

Irreversible Thermodynamics.

STATISTICAL MECHANICS.

Statistical Mechanics in the Entropy Representation: The Microanonical Formalism.

The Canonical Formalism

Statistical Mechanics in Helmholtz Representation.

Entropy and Disorder

Generalized Canonical Formulations.

Quantum Fluids.

Fluctuations.

Variational Properties, Perturbation Expansions, and Mean Field Theory.

FOUNDATIONS.

Postlude: Symmetry and the Conceptual Foundations of Thermostatistics.

Appendices.

General References.

Index.

Subject Areas: Mechanical engineering & materials [TG]