An Introduction to Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics

by Keith Stowe

• ISBN13: 9780521865579
• ISBN10: 0521865573
• eBook ISBN(s): 9780511271656
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2007-06-11
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• More Book Details

Summary

This introductory textbook for standard undergraduate courses in thermodynamics has been completely rewritten. 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 - the study of small systems interacting with huge reservoirs. The changes to this second edition have been made after more than 10 years classroom testing and student feedback. 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 problems are available to instructors at www.cambridge.org/9780521865579.

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 contraints

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 statisitics

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.