What is a recommended book for learning Thermodynamics?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for books on thermodynamics, particularly focusing on resources suitable for undergraduate and graduate students. Participants share their experiences with teaching quality and seek clear and effective texts in the field.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses dissatisfaction with the quality of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics education and seeks recommendations for clear textbooks.
  • Another participant questions whether the inquiry pertains to engineering thermodynamics or thermal physics/statistical mechanics.
  • Several participants suggest specific books, including Callen's book, Physical Chemistry by Ira Levine, and Heat and Thermodynamics by Zemansky.
  • A participant mentions Berkeley's Physics Volume 5 as a well-reviewed option.
  • Another participant recommends Engineering Thermodynamics Work & Heat Transfer by Rogers & Mayhew, noting its usefulness alongside other texts.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on a single recommended book, as multiple titles are proposed, reflecting differing preferences and experiences among participants.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not clarify the specific audience or prerequisites for the recommended books, and there is no discussion of the content or approach of the suggested texts.

Who May Find This Useful

Students and educators in physics and engineering looking for effective resources in thermodynamics and related fields.

DonnerJack
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Hi,

I found out that as a rule, almost everywhere, thermodynamics and statistical mechanics are taught, well... badly. So most of the students (again, only from MY experience) stay with only obscure ideas about what one can do with thermodynamics/statistical mechanics and what is it good for.

Can anyone recommend a really good (and CLEAR) book for undergrads and maybe also for grad students?

Thanks!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
What do you think of Philip Morris?
 
Do you mean thermodynamics, as in the engineering class, or do you mean thermal physics/statistical mechanics, as in the physics class?
 
Callen's book is pretty good
 
what's the title?
 
Physical Chemistry by Ira Levine
 
I actually found Heat and Thermodynamics by Zemansky to be pretty good.
 
Engineering Thermodynamics Work & Heat Transfer
Rogers & Mayhew
Longman Scientific & Technical
ISBN: 0-582-30500-4

Mine's not new at Ed III but I found it useful in conjunction with other texts
 

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