Physics GRE and Thermodynamics - recommended reading?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The recommended reading for the thermodynamics portion of the Physics GRE is the thermodynamics section of Halliday/Resnick's introductory physics text. This material covers essential concepts such as linear expansion, heat capacity, and heat engines, which constitute 90% of the thermodynamics content on the exam. The discussion emphasizes that familiarity with basic thermodynamics principles is sufficient for success on the PGRE.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic thermodynamics concepts
  • Familiarity with introductory physics texts
  • Knowledge of heat engines and heat capacity
  • Experience with linear expansion principles
NEXT STEPS
  • Read Halliday/Resnick's introductory physics text
  • Review additional thermodynamics resources such as "Thermodynamics: An Engineering Approach" by Yunus Çengel
  • Practice solving problems related to heat engines and thermodynamic cycles
  • Explore statistical mechanics concepts relevant to thermodynamics
USEFUL FOR

Students preparing for the Physics GRE, educators teaching thermodynamics, and anyone seeking a solid foundation in basic thermodynamics principles.

bjnartowt
Messages
265
Reaction score
3
Hi all, I wanted to know what text would be best reading for the thermodynamics portion of the Physics GRE. Quantum and Electrodynamics has "Griffiths" questions, for instance: "standard tomes", if you will. Is there, likewise, a standard tome of thermo and statistical?

Thanks so much...
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The thermodynamics on the PGRE is the most elementary stuff you can find. If you read the thermo section of any introductory physics text, you already know 90% of it (linear expansion, heat capacity, heat engines, etc). Just pick up a copy of Halliday/Resnick, and you'll be good (I found my older copy for like $5).
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
3K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K