An Introduction to Thermal Physics by Schroder - any thoughts

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the book "An Introduction to Thermal Physics" by Schroder, with participants sharing their thoughts and recommendations for someone preparing to study thermal physics. The scope includes theoretical understanding, mathematical foundations, and supplementary resources.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests reading the appendices of the book, finding them particularly helpful.
  • Another participant describes the mathematics involved in thermal and statistical physics as relatively easy, recommending a review of basic counting, combinatorics, and the ideal gas law.
  • There are suggestions to familiarize oneself with concepts in magnetism, such as susceptibility and paramagnetism, as well as basic quantum mechanics and fluid mechanics.
  • A participant advises getting an additional book to supplement Schroder, noting the lack of worked examples and the omission of crucial concepts in the problems.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the sufficiency of Schroder's book, with some recommending supplementary materials while others find value in the appendices. No consensus is reached regarding the overall adequacy of the book for learning thermal physics.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight the absence of worked examples and the potential gaps in crucial concepts, indicating that the book may not cover all necessary material for a comprehensive understanding.

Who May Find This Useful

Students preparing to study thermal physics, educators looking for resources, and individuals interested in the mathematical and conceptual foundations of thermal physics.

aLearner
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Hi! I'll be covering the above book next semester and was wondering if there is anything I should be particularly aware of about thermal physics.
-aLearner
 
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I would read the appendices. I found them very helpful. Also, that book f***ing rules.
 
I think that the mathematics in thermal and statistical physics at the level of Schroeder is quite easy. Some derivatives, a logarithm or two (thousand), etc. I would review basic counting (cominatorics) and combinatoric probability. I would also refamiliarize yourself with the ideal gas law. It would benefit you to also review some basic concepts of magnetism (for example, you should know what susceptibility is and know what paramagnetism is) as well as very baby quantum mechanics (the harmonic oscillator and square well energy levels for example, nothing too complicated). Review baby fluid mechanics and pressure.
 
get another book to supplement it. there are no worked examples, and he leaves many crucial concepts for the problems, which your instructor may not assign.
 

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