Thermal Physics: An Introduction to Thermodynamics, Statistical Mechanics, and Kinetic TheoryThe amount of time devoted to thermodynamics in many undergraduate courses has been reduced in recent years as newer subjects crowd the curriculum. One possible solution is to concentrate on a microscopic, statistical approach, and present the laws of thermodynamics as a by-product of statistical mechanics. However, the macroscopic approach is valid and satisfying in its own right and represents one of the great achievements of classical physics. This introduction to thermodynamics presents both macroscopic and microscopic approaches to the subject. Reidi introduces each area separately and then examines a number of selected topics from both points of view, presenting the strengths and weaknesses of each. This text thus provides a balanced discussion of thermal physics that will form a useful basis for further studies of the properties of matter, whether from a thermodynamic or a statistical point of view. |
Contents
Further applications of thermodynamics | 5 |
First law of thermodynamics | 9 |
Second law of thermodynamics | 37 |
Copyright | |
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Common terms and phrases
³He absolute zero adiabatic walls atoms black body radiation Boltzmann bosons calculation Carnot cycle Chapter collisions considered constant volume container critical point Debye decrease defined density discussed in Section distribution function electrons energy levels entropy entropy change equal equation example Exercise experimental Fermi fermions frequency gases given by eqn helium high temperature important independent integral interaction internal energy isentropic isothermal kinetic theory law of thermodynamics liquid low temperature macroscopic magnetic field mass mean energy mean free path measured microstates molecules monatomic number of molecules number of particles paramagnet partition function perfect gas photons physics pressure properties quantity quantum region result reversible adiabatic second law Show shown in Fig simple harmonic oscillator solid specific heat spin statistical mechanics surface system in thermal T₁ term thermal conductivity thermal equilibrium thermal reservoir transition tube vapour variables velocity Waals written ат