Book suggestions for classical thermodynamics

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around recommendations for books on classical thermodynamics, with an emphasis on comprehensive coverage of the subject, inclusion of problems, and some allowance for relativity. Participants express varying levels of familiarity with thermodynamics and specific preferences for the style and content of the books suggested.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant is seeking a book that covers classical thermodynamics comprehensively, with problems included, and is open to some discussion of relativity.
  • Another participant suggests "Fundamentals of Statistical and Thermal Physics" by Reif, noting its age but also its continued use.
  • A request for additional book suggestions is made by a participant.
  • Another recommendation is "Fundamentals of Engineering Thermodynamics" by Moran et al., which is mentioned as being available online.
  • Introduction to Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics by Smith and Van Ness is proposed for its complete treatment of solution thermodynamics.
  • A participant expresses interest in "Thermal Physics: Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics for Scientists and Engineers" by Robert Floyd Sekerka.
  • H. B. Callen's "Thermodynamics and an Introduction to Thermostatistics" is mentioned multiple times, with one participant noting its mathematical depth as preferable.
  • For relativistic thermodynamics, N. G. van Kampen's work is cited, including a reference to a specific publication.
  • One participant indicates a preference for books suitable for Olympiad preparation, emphasizing a desire for mathematical content over extensive text.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple competing views on suitable books for classical thermodynamics, with no consensus reached on a single recommendation. Various preferences for content style and depth are evident.

Contextual Notes

Some suggestions may depend on the reader's prior knowledge and specific interests in thermodynamics, including the balance between mathematical rigor and textual explanation.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students or individuals seeking foundational texts in classical thermodynamics, particularly those interested in problem-solving and mathematical approaches.

Istiak
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I was looking for book on classical thermodynamics. I found lot of related posts in PSE but couldn't find a book which type I was expecting. I was searching for book which covers the whole thermodynamics (not QM but it's ok if there's some knowledge of Relativity), and I want some problems in that book also (I have little bit knowledge of thermodynamics but I would like to start from the beginning)
 
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Reif "Fundamentals of statistical and thermal physics" is pretty old by now, but it is a good book and I believe(?) still very widely used
 
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Is there any other book?
 
Fundamentals of Engineering Thermodynamics, Moran et al (I think this book is available online)

For a book that also includes a pretty complete treatment of solution thermodynamics, see Introduction to Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics by Smith and Van Ness.
 
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H. B. Callen, Thermodynamics and an Introduction to
Thermostatistics, John Wiley&Sons, New York, Chichester,
Brisbane, Toronto, Singapore, 2 edn. (1985).

For relativistic thermodynamics:

N. G. van Kampen, Relativistic thermodynamics of moving
systems, Phys. Rev. 173, 295 (1968),
https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRev.173.295.80
 
vanhees71 said:
H. B. Callen, Thermodynamics and an Introduction to
Thermostatistics, John Wiley&Sons, New York, Chichester,
Brisbane, Toronto, Singapore, 2 edn. (1985).
That's looking good. It contains much more math, I like maths rather than tons of text.

Anyway, I am actually preferring for Olympiad.
 
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