Introduction to Modern Thermodynamics / Edition 1

by Dilip Kondepudi

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780470015995
Publisher:	Wiley
Publication date:	05/19/2008
Pages:	520
Product dimensions:	7.40(w) x 9.60(h) x 1.60(d)

About the Author

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.

Table of Contents

Preface.

Part I: The Formalism of Modern Thermodynamics.

1. Basic Concepts and the Laws of Gases.

2. The First Law of Thermodynamics.

3. The Second Law of Thermodynamics and the Arrow of Time.

4. Entropy in the Realm of Chemical Reactions.

5. Extremum Principles and General Thermodynamic Relations.

Part II: Applications: Equilibrium and Nonequilibrium Systems.

6. Basic Thermodynamics of Gases, Liquids and Solids.

7. Thermodynamics of Phase Change.

8. Thermodynamics of Solutions.

9. Thermodynamics of Chemical Transformations.

10. Fields and Internal Degrees of Freedom.

11. Introduction to Nonequilibrium Systems.

Part III: Additional Topics.

12. Thermodynamics of Radiation.

13. Biological Systems.

14. Thermodynamics of Small Systems.

15. Classical Stability Theory.

16. Critical Phenomena and Configurationally Heat Capacity.

17. Elements of Statistical Thermodynamics.

List of Variables.

Standard Thermodynamic Properties.

Physical Constants and Data.

Name Index.

Subject Index.

Editorial Reviews

"This book is a refreshing presentation of thermodynamics beyond the traditional syllabi and is an appropriate starting point for those wishing to incorporate non-equilibrium aspects into their courses." (The Higher Education Academy Physical Sciences Centre, December 2008)

From the Publisher