Concise, detailed, and transparently structured, this upper-level undergraduate textbook is an excellent resource for a one-semester course on thermodynamics for students majoring in physics, chemistry, or materials science. Throughout the seven chapters and three-part appendix, students benefit from numerous practical examples and solved problems ranging in broad scope from cosmic to molecular evolution; cloud formation to rubber elasticity; and Carnot engines to Monte Carlo simulation of phase equilibria.
Lauded in Physics Today as a valuable resource for students and faculty, Hentschke's Thermodynamics presents in this long-anticipated second edition new and extended coverage of a range of topical material, such as thermodynamics of the universe and atmospheric thermodynamics, while also featuring a more application-oriented treatment of surfaces, interfaces, and polymers. Touching on subjects throughout soft-matter physics, superconductors, and complex fluids, this textbook delivers the foundation and breadth of scope necessary to prepare undergraduate students for further study in this timeless yet ever-changing field.

Features special chapters on cosmic thermal evolution and Monte Carlo computer simulations Supports teaching with numerous solved problems in areas ranging from environmental science to surfaces and interfaces Bridges the gap between statistical mechanics and physical chemistry

Autorentext

Reinhard Hentschke received his Ph.D. from the University of Maine, Orono, Maine, USA. Subsequently he was a staff scientist at the Max-Planck Institute for Polymer Research, where he concentrated on computer modelling of polymers. Since 1999, he has been Professor of theoretical physics (statistical mechanics of soft matter/chemical physics) at the Bergische Universität, Wuppertal, Germany. His research interests have frequently straddled the boundary between physics and chemistry.

Inhalt
Two Fundamental Laws of Nature.- Thermodynamic Functions.- Equilibrium and Stability.- Simple Phase Diagrams.- Microscopic Interactions.- Thermodynamics and Molecular Simulation.- Non-Equilibrium Thermodynamics.