Statistical and Thermal Physics: Fundamentals and Applications (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9781568811963)

This book is based on many years of teaching statistical and thermal physics. It assumes no previous knowledge of thermodynamics, kinetic theory, or probability---the only prerequisites are an elementary knowledge of classical and modern physics, and of multivariable calculus. The first half of the book introduces the subject inductively but rigorously, proceeding from the concrete and specific to the abstract and general. In clear physical language the book explains the key concepts, such as temperature, heat, entropy, free energy, chemical potential, and distributions, both classical and quantum. The second half of the book applies these concepts to a wide variety of phenomena, including perfect gases, heat engines, and transport processes. Each chapter contains fully worked examples and real-world problems drawn from physics, astronomy, biology, chemistry, electronics, and mechanical engineering.

Author: Sturge
ISBN-10: 1568811969
ISBN-13: 9781568811963
Publisher: A K PETERS
Language: English
Published: 09/24/2003
Pages: 480
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 1.87lbs
Size: 9.21h x 6.14w x 1.06d

Review Citation(s):
Choice 03/01/2004 pg. 1332