An Introduction to Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics

by Keith Stowe

Overview

This introductory textbook for standard undergraduate courses in thermodynamics has been completely rewritten to explore a greater number of topics, more clearly and concisely. Starting with an overview of important quantum behaviours, the book teaches students how to calculate probabilities in order to provide a firm foundation for later chapters. It introduces the ideas of classical thermodynamics and explores them both in general and as they are applied to specific processes and interactions. The remainder of the book deals with statistical mechanics. Each topic ends with a boxed summary of ideas and results, and every chapter contains numerous homework problems, covering a broad range of difficulties. Answers are given to odd-numbered problems, and solutions to even-numbered problems are available to instructors at www.cambridge.org/9781107694927.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521865579
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	05/10/2007
Edition description:	Revised
Pages:	572
Product dimensions:	7.28(w) x 10.20(h) x 1.61(d)

About the Author

Keith Stowe is the Professor of Physics at California Polytechnic State University, and has worked there for 32 years. He has spent time at the University of Washington, Harvard University, the University of North Carolina and the University of Michigan. As well as the first edition of Introduction to Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics he has written books on ocean science.

Table of Contents

Preface; Part I. Introduction: 1. Introduction; Part II. Small Systems: 2. Statistics for small systems; 3. Systems with many elements; Part III. Energy and the First Law: 4. Internal energy; 5. Interactions between systems; Part IV. States and the Second Law: 6. Internal energy and the number of accessible states; 7. Entropy and the second law; 8. Entropy and thermal interactions; Part V. Constraints: 9. Natural constraints; 10. Models; 11. Choice of variables; 12. Special processes; 13. Engines; 14. Diffusive interactions; Part VI. Classical Statistics: 15. Probabilities and microscopic behaviours; 16. Kinetic theory and transport processes in gases; 17. Magnetic properties of materials; 18. The partition function; Part VII. Quantum Statistics: 19. Introduction to quantum statistics; 20. Quantum gases; 21. Blackbody radiation; 22. The thermal properties of solids; 23. The electrical properties of materials; 24. Low temperatures and degenerate systems; Appendices; Further reading; Problem solutions; Index.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"a well-written textbook for introductory courses in thermodynamics. ... The book has plenty of problems aimed at stimulating active learning by students, as well as being of great help to instructors. The summaries following the chapters are also important elements which facilitate learning." - B.L. Granovsky, Mathematical Reviews

Editorial Reviews

"a well-written textbook for introductory courses in thermodynamics. ... The book has plenty of problems aimed at stimulating active learning by students, as well as being of great help to instructors. The summaries following the chapters are also important elements which facilitate learning." - B.L. Granovsky, Mathematical Reviews

"… a very good text for undergraduate students … very readable."
The Observatory

‘The text is well written, clear and derivations are easy to follow. Summary sections in each chapter are helpful for reviewing the material just read.’ Thomas Krause, Royal Military College of Canada

From the Publisher