This undergraduate-level textbook offers a unique and in-depth approach to the study of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. It covers the fundamentals of thermodynamics using both traditional and postulatory approaches, including origin of the concept of thermodynamic entropy, Euler’s equation, Gibbs-Duhem relations, stability of equilibrium, and the concept of thermodynamic potentials, and that of independent thermodynamic observables. The book then delves into the microscopic foundation of thermodynamics, starting with the kinetic theory and highlighting its historical development. Boltzmann's concept of entropy is explored, along with its applications in deriving Planck’s, Bose’s, Bose-Einstein, and Fermi-Dirac distribution functions. The formal structure of classical and quantum statistical mechanics is built based on the concept of statistical entropy and the maximum entropy principle and used to investigate in detail the thermodynamic properties of ideal classical and quantum systems. The book also covers phase transitions, simple theory of critical phenomena, and the theory of interacting van der Waals gases. Throughout the text, the book provides historical context, enriching the reader's understanding. This textbook is a valuable resource for undergraduate physics students, offering comprehensive coverage, including overlooked topics, and a historical perspective on thermodynamics and statistical mechanics.
This undergraduate-level textbook offers a unique and in-depth approach to the study of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. It covers the fundamentals of thermodynamics using both traditional and postulatory approaches, including origin of the concept of thermodynamic entropy, Euler’s equation, Gibbs-Duhem relations, stability of equilibrium, and the concept of thermodynamic potentials, and that of independent thermodynamic observables. The book then delves into the microscopic foundation of thermodynamics, starting with the kinetic theory and highlighting its historical development. Boltzmann's concept of entropy is explored, along with its applications in deriving Planck’s, Bose’s, Bose-Einstein, and Fermi-Dirac distribution functions. The formal structure of classical and quantum statistical mechanics is built based on the concept of statistical entropy and the maximum entropy principle and used to investigate in detail the thermodynamic properties of ideal classical and quantum systems. The book also covers phase transitions, simple theory of critical phenomena, and the theory of interacting van der Waals gases. Throughout the text, the book provides historical context, enriching the reader's understanding. This textbook is a valuable resource for undergraduate physics students, offering comprehensive coverage, including overlooked topics, and a historical perspective on thermodynamics and statistical mechanics.
Features modern and comprehensive coverage of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics
Clearly explains complex topics such as entropy and distribution functions
Provides a solid theoretical foundation for understanding phase transitions
Ravinder R. Puri
Undergraduate Thermodynamics Textbook Thermodynamic Potentials Entropic Stability Independent Thermodynamic Observables History of Kinetic Theory Quantum Black Body Law Difference Between Boltzmann and Shannon Entropy Combinatorics Methods for Entropy Evaluation Ensembles and Maximum Entropy Principle Shannon's Information Theoretic Approach Phase Space Distribution Thermodynamics of Non-Interacting Classical and Quantum Gases Relationship of Statistical Entropy with Thermodynamics Equilibrium Distribution Functions and Quantum Density Matrix Phase Transitions and Critical Phenomena