Introduction to Modern Thermodynamics

Thermodynamics is a core part of most science and engineering degree programs. However, the majority of texts that are currently available to students take a “classical” approach, teaching  thermodynamics very much as it was presented in the 19th century. This is done generally for historical rather than pedagogical reasons.   “Modern” thermodynamics, in contrast, relates entropy, the central concept of thermodynamics, to irreversible processes. An Introduction to Modern Thermodynamics provides the first modern approach to thermodynamics written specifically for a first undergraduate course. It covers the fundamental formalism with some attention given to its history; describes basic applications of the formalism and continues with a number of additional applications that instructors can use according to their particular degree program – these chapters cover thermal radiation, biological systems, nano systems, classical stability theory, and principles of statistical thermodynamics. A wide range of examples appear throughout the book from biological, engineering and atmospheric systems.

"The book is excellent at capturing and keeping the interest of the reader. The historical perspective and the biographical sketches of the major developers of thermodynamics are exceptionally good." (Angewandte Chemie International Edition, January 5, 2009)

Dilip Kondepudi is Thurman D. Kitchin Professor of Chemistry, Wake Forest University, where his main research interest is chiral asymmetry in nature. He has, in addition, many years teaching experience to both under- and postgraduate students. He is the author, with the late Ilya Prigogine, of the highly successful book Modern Thermodynamics: From Heat Engines to Dissipative Structures.