An Introduction to Thermal Physics

Book excerpt: This is a textbook for the standard undergraduate-level course in thermal physics (sometimes called thermodynamics or statistical mechanics). Originally published in 1999, it quickly gained market share and has now been the most widely used English-language text for such courses, as taught in physics departments, for more than a decade. Its clear and accessible writing style has also made it popular among graduate students and professionals who want to gain abetter understanding of thermal physics. The book explores applications to engineering, chemistry, biology, geology, atmospheric science, astrophysics, cosmology, and everyday life. It includes twoappendices, reference data, an annotated bibliography, a complete index, and 486 homework problems.