An Introduction to Thermal Physics

This textbook is intended for use in undergraduate courses in thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, at the sophomore through senior level. Its notable features include: A balanced treatment of classical thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. Both the macroscopic and microscopic viewpoints have their advantages, so I've tried to present and use both, without giving undue emphasis to either. A clear story-line. Fundamentals come first, then thermodynamics applications, then statistical mechanics applications. Each chapter introduces one or two powerful tools and then applies these tools to a variety of phenomena. This organizational plan highlights the most important principles, and gives readers and instructors a great deal of flexibility in choosing what topics to cover. Informal writing style. I'd rather talk to you directly than pontificate in the passive voice. Minimal prerequisites. Before reading this book you should have taken a calculus-based introductory physics course, not necessarily including thermodynamics. A concurrent course in multivariable calculus is recommended but not absolutely necessary. An emphasis on applications. In selecting material I've tried to emphasize what is immediately and obviously applicable to the real world. The book is full of applications to condensed matter physics, astrophysics, chemistry, earth science, engineering, and everyday life. It's not just for physics majors. Short enough for a one-semester course. Although the book contains plenty of advanced material for a longer course (especially in the problems), you can cover all the fundamentals and most of the applications in a three-hour, one-semester course.