{"product_id":"fundamentals-of-thermal-physics-nathaniel-a-briggs-sc-d-9798189870606","title":"Fundamentals of Thermal Physics: From the First Law to Quantum Statistics - Theory, Derivations, and Solved Problems. Statistical Physics Fundamentals","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFew areas of physics demand more from a textbook than thermal physics.\u003c\/b\u003e The subject spans classical laws established in the nineteenth century and quantum phenomena at the frontier of modern condensed matter and ultracold physics - and a complete treatment requires mathematical rigour, physical clarity, and careful connections between the macroscopic and microscopic descriptions.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMany students reach upper-level thermodynamics and statistical mechanics courses only to find that standard resources present results without showing the reasoning behind them. Formulas appear, distributions are stated, and the connection between observable behaviour and the underlying probabilistic machinery remains unclear. When classical thermodynamics, kinetic theory, statistical mechanics, and quantum statistics are drawn from separate sources - each with different notation and different levels of rigour - the unified logical structure of the subject is lost.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFundamentals of Thermal Physics\u003c\/b\u003e offers a self-contained journey through the full arc of thermal physics - from the Zeroth Law and the operational definition of temperature through quantum distribution functions, the thermodynamics of metals and radiation, and the physics of quantum gas condensation. Every major result is derived from first principles, and every derivation shows the complete algebraic steps so the reader can follow the argument rather than take the conclusion on faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhat this textbook helps you explore and understand: \u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cli\u003eBuild a firm foundation through all four laws of thermodynamics, seeing exactly how entropy, free energies, and thermodynamic potentials arise from fundamental principles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cli\u003eAnalyse thermodynamic processes and real engine cycles - Carnot, Otto, Diesel, Brayton, and Rankine - using a consistent, rigorous framework\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cli\u003eApply kinetic theory to derive macroscopic gas properties from molecular motion and understand classical speed distributions from statistical principles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cli\u003eWork with thermodynamic potentials, Maxwell relations, phase diagrams, and stability criteria through fully solved examples and complete answer keys\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cli\u003eConnect the macroscopic entropy to the microscopic count of states, and derive thermodynamic quantities from canonical and grand canonical partition functions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cli\u003eUnderstand quantum statistical mechanics and apply it to electrons in metals, photon radiation, phonons in solids, and ultracold trapped gases\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cli\u003eConsult appendices of physical constants, mathematical tables, thermodynamic data, and a complete glossary for fully self-contained study\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTopics covered: \u003c\/b\u003e all four laws of thermodynamics; ideal gases and kinetic theory; heat engine cycle analysis; entropy, free energies, and irreversibility; Maxwell relations and phase transitions; the Boltzmann entropy and canonical ensemble; molecular partition functions; quantum distribution functions and the grand canonical ensemble; electronic properties of metals; Planck radiation and Stefan-Boltzmann law; quantum gas condensation; lattice heat capacity; the Third Law and absolute zero.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eDesigned for: \u003c\/b\u003e upper-level undergraduate students in physics, chemistry, and engineering. Equally valuable as a graduate-level reference for students in condensed matter physics, physical chemistry, and materials science who want thermodynamics and quantum statistical mechanics presented in complete, self-consistent detail.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIf the standard presentations have left you with formulas but not understanding, this is the resource that walks through every argument from the beginning. \u003cb\u003eGet your copy and begin developing the knowledge needed to approach thermal physics with genuine clarity and confidence - from the First Law to the quantum frontier.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAuthor:\u003c\/b\u003e Nathaniel A. Briggs Sc D.,Meridian Technical Press\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eISBN-13:\u003c\/b\u003e 9798189870606\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/b\u003e Independently Published\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eLanguage:\u003c\/b\u003e English\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublished:\u003c\/b\u003e 07\/30\/2026\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePages:\u003c\/b\u003e 484\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eFormat:\u003c\/b\u003e Paperback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eWeight:\u003c\/b\u003e 2.45lbs\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSize:\u003c\/b\u003e 11.00h x 8.50w x 0.97d","brand":"Nathaniel A. Briggs Sc D.","offers":[{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":50666030989567,"sku":"9798189870606","price":70.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0662\/2982\/9887\/files\/img_b0870c9b-4337-4b32-aa6e-a4ddda1be27a.jpg?v=1792015224","url":"https:\/\/www.whiterainbookhouse.com\/products\/fundamentals-of-thermal-physics-nathaniel-a-briggs-sc-d-9798189870606","provider":"WR Book House","version":"1.0","type":"link"}