Introduction to Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics

This introductory textbook for standard undergraduate courses in thermodynamics has been completely rewritten to explore a greater number of topics, more clearly and concisely. Starting with an overview of important quantum behaviours, the book teaches students how to calculate probabilities in order to provide a firm foundation for later chapters. It introduces the ideas of classical thermodynamics and explores them both in general and as they are applied to specific processes and interactions. The remainder of the book deals with statistical mechanics. Each topic ends with a boxed summary of ideas and results, and every chapter contains numerous homework problems, covering a broad range of difficulties. Answers are given to odd-numbered problems, and solutions to even-numbered problems are available to instructors at www.cambridge.org/9781107694927.

'… a very good text for undergraduate students … very readable.' The Observatory

Keith Stowe is the Professor of Physics at California Polytechnic State University, and has worked there for 32 years. He has spent time at the University of Washington, Harvard University, the University of North Carolina and the University of Michigan. As well as the first edition of Introduction to Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics he has written books on ocean science.