Learn Thermodynamics: Best Resources & Textbooks

In summary: Code=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325In summary, if you are new to thermodynamics and are looking for an online resource or textbook to start with, NPTEL has a lecture course that starts from the basics.
  • #1
L-R
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Hello, being kind of new to thermodynamics, does anybody have any recommendations where a good place to start learning is. Any online info or textbook I could buy?

Thanks
 
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  • #2
How much physics and math have you studied already? Have you studied a typical first-year intro physics book (e.g. Halliday & Resnick, Young & Freedman, etc.) which includes some basic thermo, or are you starting completely from scratch with thermo (or even with physics in general)?

Also note that if you want to study thermo above the intro-physics level, you need to know enough calculus to be comfortable with partial derivatives. Above the introductory level, thermodynamics uses partial derivatives a lot.
 
  • #3
While the answer will greatly depend upon the OP's answer to @jtbell's question above, if
L-R said:
Hello, being kind of new to thermodynamics, does anybody have any recommendations where a good place to start learning is. Any online info or textbook I could buy?

Thanks
The proper answer to your question will depend greatly on your answer to @jtbell 's question above. If you have studied some introductory thermodynamics before, and you know the basic concepts of calculus, then you can check out this lecture course from NPTEL. Prof. Arijit K. De teaches thermodynamics from almost the scratch to the higher topics (all of the lectures haven't been released as of February 11, 2018). But I'll recommend learning the basics from some good book like Halliday before starting with the lectures.
 
  • #4
Fundamentals of Engineering Thermodynamics by Moran et al
 
  • #5
A traditional approach with phenomenological thermodynamics first and then statistics is the very clearly written textbook

H. B. Callen, Thermodynamics and an Introduction to Thermostatistics, John Wiley&Sons, New York, Chichester, Brisbane, Toronto, Singapore, 2 ed., 1985.

I prefer the statistical-physics-first approach, which is very nicely represented by the corresponding volume of the Berkeley Physics course (written by F. Reif).

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0070702195/?tag=pfamazon01-20
 
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1. What is thermodynamics?

Thermodynamics is the branch of science that deals with the study of the relationship between heat, work, and energy. It explains how energy is transferred and transformed in different systems and how these processes can be quantified.

2. Why is thermodynamics important?

Thermodynamics is important because it helps us understand and predict the behavior of systems in various fields such as engineering, physics, chemistry, and biology. It also forms the basis for many technological advancements and has practical applications in industries such as power generation, refrigeration, and manufacturing.

3. What are some key concepts in thermodynamics?

Some key concepts in thermodynamics include the laws of thermodynamics, which describe the behavior of energy in different systems, and thermodynamic properties, such as temperature, pressure, and entropy, which are used to quantify the state of a system.

4. What are the best resources for learning thermodynamics?

There are many great resources for learning thermodynamics, including textbooks, online courses, and lecture videos. Some recommended textbooks include "Thermodynamics: An Engineering Approach" by Yunus A. Cengel and Michael A. Boles, and "Thermodynamics: Concepts and Applications" by Stephen R. Turns.

5. How can I apply thermodynamics in real life?

Thermodynamics has many practical applications in everyday life. For example, it can help you understand how your refrigerator or air conditioner works, how to calculate the efficiency of a car engine, and how heat is transferred in cooking. It can also be used in designing more efficient and sustainable energy systems.

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