"Statistical Thermodynamics" book by Erwin Schrödinger

AI Thread Summary
Erwin Schrödinger's "Statistical Thermodynamics" is considered an advanced text, requiring prior knowledge of statistical thermodynamics for comprehension. While it blends thermodynamics with quantum mechanics, its clarity and mathematical rigor may pose challenges for those without a strong background. The book is not recommended as a primary source for beginners, as it is better suited for students in their senior year of college focusing on statistical mechanics. In contrast, "Understanding Thermodynamics" by Van Ness is intended as a supplementary resource, making it more accessible for undergraduates. For those seeking chemistry-centric materials, "Introduction to Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics" by Smith and Van Ness is suggested as a suitable alternative.
SummeryWinter
Messages
23
Reaction score
8
There's a dover book called "Statistical Thermodynamics" by Erwin Schrödinger, I have worked through "Concepts in Thermal Physics" by Schroeder and I think Erwin's book blends some of thermodynamics with quantum mechanics so I don't think I'll be able to comprehend it, anyways I just wanted to know if it's a good book in terms of exposition and clarity of the subject matter.

Also, there's another book by Van Ness called "Understanding thermodynamics", is that a good book, again, in terms of exposition and clarity of the subject matter. Are any of the books chemistry-centric?


P.S.- Even though I have not gone through quantum mechanics in a rigorous matter, I have still worked through Halliday and Resnick's "Physics"(both volumes)
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
For chemistry centric try
Introduction to Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics by Smith and Van Ness.

“Understanding thermodynamics” is a series of lectures, i.e., to be used as a supplement not a primary source.

Schrodinger’s book is an advanced text, i.e., one should know some statistical thermodynamics before reading it.
 
  • Like
Likes SummeryWinter
Frabjous said:
For chemistry centric try
Introduction to Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics by Smith and Van Ness.

“Understanding thermodynamics” is a series of lectures, i.e., to be used as a supplement not a primary source.

Schrodinger’s book is an advanced text, i.e., one should know some statistical thermodynamics before reading it.
What level is "Understanding thermodynamics" at? Can I as a soon-to-be undergraduate understand it?
 
SummeryWinter said:
What level is "Understanding thermodynamics" at? Can I as a soon-to-be undergraduate understand it?
Probably.
 
Frabjous said:
Probably
I'll see to it then...
 
Is Erwin's above mentioned book clear in terms of exposition, is it mathematically rigorous, if so what mathematical methods would I need to work through it? How good is it really?
 
Why are you focused on it? I would not describe it as a book to strive for. A student focused on statistical mechanics might pick it up in their senior year of college.
 
SummeryWinter said:
Is Erwin's above mentioned book
By convention, one should refer to it using the author’s last name, i.e., Schrodinger’s book.
 
Frabjous said:
By convention, one should refer to it using the author’s last name, i.e., Schrodinger’s book.
Yeah, I was just lazy to type Schrodinger😅😅
 
  • #10
Frabjous said:
Why are you focused on it? I would not describe it as a book to strive for. A student focused on statistical mechanics might pick it up in their senior year of college.
I just found it so I wanted to know more about it since it was written by Schrödinger, that's all
 
  • #11
For Schrodingers book, Read the Book Overview on amazon. I think it is pretty clear on the nature of this book.
 
  • #12
gmax137 said:
For Schrodingers book, Read the Book Overview on amazon. I think it is pretty clear on the nature of this book.
I have already, I just wanted some more information about whether or not I could handle it yet
 
  • #13
There's another dover book called "Atomic Spectra and Atomic Structure" by Gerhard Herzberg, does anyone know how good it is and the prerequisites for it?


P.S.-Sorry if I seem too fixated on books, I just want a change of scenery(figuratively) after working through some sluggish problems.
 
  • #14
SummeryWinter said:
There's another dover book called "Atomic Spectra and Atomic Structure" by Gerhard Herzberg, does anyone know how good it is and the prerequisites for it?


P.S.-Sorry if I seem too fixated on books, I just want a change of scenery(figuratively) after working through some sluggish problems.
You should start a new thread. There is no guarantee that a person with knowledge of Herzberg will make it this far into this thread.

It is good, but dated. Today, I would describe it as a specialist’s text.
 
  • #15
Frabjous said:
You should start a new thread. There is no guarantee that a person with knowledge of Herzberg will make it this far into this thread.

It is good, but dated. Today, I would describe it as a specialist’s text.
Yeah, I think I'll start a new thread
 
  • #16
If price is a concern, I would start a thread asking for inexpensive books for a beginner in physics.
 
  • #18
Frabjous said:
Here’s a good free book that is suitable for your level.
Taylor and Wheeler - Spacetime Physics
https://www.eftaylor.com/spacetimephysics/
Oh, I know about this book, it's already been mentioned quite a few times in PF threads as an introductory book to astrophysics and astronomy, I saw a preview and I think I saw a Determinant or something related to linear algebra
 
  • #19
SummeryWinter said:
Erwin
Doyou know him personally? If not, why are you using his first name?
 
  • Wow
Likes Demystifier
  • #20
Vanadium 50 said:
Doyou know him personally? If not, why are you using his first name?
To answer your first question, no I do not. As for the second question, I am sorry but as I said earlier I was too lazy to type Schrödinger in it's entirety, it's MY MISTAKE


Edit: I'll try to rise above my laziness and use full last names😄😄
 
  • Haha
Likes Demystifier

Similar threads

Replies
10
Views
4K
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
15
Views
5K
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
11
Views
5K
Back
Top