An Introduction to Thermal Physics by Schroder - any thoughts

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When preparing to study thermal physics using the specified book, it's essential to focus on several key areas. Reading the appendices is highly recommended, as they provide valuable insights. The mathematics involved, including derivatives and logarithms, is generally manageable, but a solid understanding of combinatorics and combinatorial probability is beneficial. Familiarity with the ideal gas law is crucial, along with basic concepts of magnetism, such as susceptibility and paramagnetism. A foundational grasp of introductory quantum mechanics, specifically the harmonic oscillator and square well energy levels, is also advised. Additionally, reviewing basic fluid mechanics and pressure concepts will be helpful. Supplementing the primary textbook with additional resources is suggested, as the book lacks worked examples and may leave out important concepts that may not be covered in class assignments.
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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