This book is designed for use in an introductory course in thermodynamics. It is aimed at students of Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, and Engineering. As an undergraduate text, it gives a clear description of the theoretical framework of thermodynamics, while providing specific examples of its use in a wide variety of problems. These examples include topics that are atypical of undergraduate texts, such as biological systems, atmospheric phenomena, and polymers.
The narrative is infused with historical notes on the characters who make up the story of thermodynamics, enlivening the material while keeping the reader engaged.
Sample Chapter(s)
Chapter 1: Scope of Thermodynamics (861 KB)
Request Inspection Copy
Contents:
- Scope of Thermodynamics
- The Structure of Thermodynamics
- The Laws of Thermodynamics
- Intensive Variables
- Simple Systems
- Thermodynamic Potentials
- Maxwell Relations
- Engines, Hurricanes, and Athletes
- Stability of Thermodynamic Systems
- Phase Transitions
- Summary of Useful Results and Final Remarks
Readership: Undergraduate students of physics, chemistry, materials science and engineering.
“An attractive feature of the book is the assortment of historical remarks, with biographical portraits of the significant players in the development of the discipline. The authors have used the text for teaching thermodynamics to undergraduates over a number of years. I am sure the success of these courses is due, in no small measure, to the enthusiasm of these teachers and their commitment to the particular approach and logical structure. The book could be used to great advantage as the primary text for a course if
the teacher is thoroughly familiar with the discipline and provided he/she truly believes in the value of the approach.”
Contemporary Physics
“This engaging book does succeed in providing a fresh look at the subject, with an admirable degree of clarity, and lubricated with occasional anecdotes highlighting some of the unusual characters involved in its historical development. Along with most of the standard applications, the authors manage to find some topics of modern interest, such as macroeconomics, hurricane circulation, the greenhouse effect, and human physiology, that indeed yield nontrivial thermodynamic insights that are not dominated by metaphor. ”
Mathematical Reviews