Thermal Physics: An Introduction to Thermodynamics, Statistical Mechanics and Kinetic Theory - Softcover

Riedi, P.C.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0333183975 ISBN 13: 9780333183977

Publisher: Palgrave, 1976

Synopsis

Rear cover reads: A concise treatment of thermal physics written primarily for students taking a degree course in physics at the undergraduate level, although those studying in other areas of the physical sciences may also find it useful. The author has recognised that the time devoted to thermodynamics is decreasing in most modern physics courses, but considers that the attempt to treat thermal physics entirely from an atomic point of view and hence to 'derive' the laws of thermodynamics from statistical mechanics is very unsatisfactory. The student is left with the impression that thermodynamics is a trivial and dependent subject, rather than one of the greatest achievements of physics. The approach adopted here, then, is a judicious mixture of the microscopic and macroscopic. To minimise confusion, thermodynamics and statistical mechanics are first introduced separately and then their strengths and weaknesses are explored by examining selected topics from both points of view. The coverage is mainly restricted to systems in thermal equilibrium, but there is a section dealing with kinetic theory of transport processes which emphasises the great difficulty of studying non-equilibrium processes. A special feature of the book is the attention given to the application of thermodynamics to modern experimental research. Examples include vacuum physics, Pomeranchuk cooling, the stellar background radiation, and phase transitions, and these help to give the reader a fuller appreciation of the continuing importance of thermal physics. Dr P. C. Riedi graduated from University College, London and then went to do research in industry for four years. He returned to academic life and took his Ph. D. at the University of Southampton in 1966, and moved to his present post as Lecturer in Physics at the University of St Andrews in 1968. His research interests include low-temperature physics, magnetism and nuclear magnetic resonance in solids.

Edition details

• Publisher: Palgrave
• Publication date: 1976
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0333183975
• ISBN 13: 9780333183977
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 336