The Dynamical Theory of Gases

by James Jeans

Overview

Jeans's primary aim with the first edition of his book, originally published in 1904, was to 'develop the theory of gases upon as exact a mathematical basis as possible'. Twenty years later and those theories were being revolutionised by Quantum Theory. In this fourth edition, Jeans does not attempt to avoid the discoveries of this topical science, but rather exposes the many difficulties that classical theory was experiencing, and how those problems disappeared with Quantum Theory. This edition therefore offers a fascinating insight into a field of physics in transition between two great models of physical science.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781108005647
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	07/20/2009
Series:	Cambridge Library Collection - Physical Sciences
Edition description:	4th Revised ed.
Pages:	460
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.94(d)

Table of Contents

1. Introductory chapter; Part I. Mathematical Theory of a Gas in a Steady State: 2. The method of collisions; 3. The method of statistical mechanics; 4. Comparison between the methods of the two preceding chapters; 5. General statistical mechanics and thermodynamics; Part II. Physical Properties of a Gas in a Steady State: 6. Temperature, pressure, etc.; 7. Mass motion, thermodynamics, calorimetry and dissociation; Part III. Mathematical Theory of a Gas not in a Steady State: 8. Boltzmann's equation, etc.; 9. Maxwell's theory; 10. The free path; Part IV. Physical Phenomena of a Gas not in a Steady State: 11. Viscosity; 12. Conduction of heat; 13. Diffusion; 14. The evidence of the kinetic theory as to the size of molecules; 15. Aerostatics and planetary atmospheres; Part V. Radiation and the Quantum Theory: 16. Statistical mechanics and the partition of energy in continuous media; 17. Radiation and the quantum theory; 18. Quantum dynamics.