Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics book

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for textbooks on thermodynamics and statistical physics, particularly for a student preparing for a course in a non-English setting. Participants share their experiences and suggest various resources to aid in self-study.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks reliable English references for thermodynamics and statistical physics due to challenges in their course materials.
  • Another participant recommends books by Adkins and Carrington as excellent introductions to the subject.
  • A participant clarifies the correct author of a suggested book, correcting an earlier mistake regarding the name Carruthers to Carrington.
  • Schroeder's "An Introduction to Thermal Physics" is suggested, though one participant expresses reservations about its elementary scope and writing style.
  • Dr. Tong's notes on statistical mechanics and Reif's "Fundamentals of Statistical and Thermal Physics" are also recommended as useful resources.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the value of certain textbooks, but there are differing opinions on the suitability of Schroeder's book, indicating a lack of consensus on that particular resource.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note the challenges of finding reliable English references and the variability in the quality of suggested textbooks, reflecting the limitations of available resources for non-native speakers.

Who May Find This Useful

Students preparing for courses in thermodynamics and statistical physics, particularly those studying in non-English environments or seeking self-study materials.

Mépris
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Hey guys,

I've never studied this subject before (except basic thermal physics in high school), and I have a course on it this semester. I'm in a semi international program, and this course isn't taught in English (but the tutorials are, thankfully), so I will need to study on my own.

In general, the English references aren't necessarily reliable, and the teachers just picked a few random books. So far, we've only had one teacher who went through the trouble of properly looking for suitable books to help the foreign students. Which is why I turn to you.

Here is a link to the course description.

Wasn't sure how to tag this as, and my browser was acting out. Sorry if I chose the wrong one.

Thanks!
 
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The books by Adkins, and by Carruthers, both published by Cambridge, are excellent introductions. The monograph by Fermi is also very useful, but it does not contain exercises.
 
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Do you mean Equilibrium Thermodynamics by Adkins? This one, I've found, but I can't even find the title of the other book!

What is its actual name?

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll take a look at it.

If others have anything else to suggest, feel free.
 
Yes. That's the Adkins book. As for the others, I gave your an incorrect author - creeping senility -I should have said Carrington, not Carruthers!
Basic Thermodynamics (Oxford Science Publications) Paperback – August 4, 1994
by Gerald Carrington https://www.amazon.com/dp/0198517475/?tag=pfamazon01-20ISBN-13: 978-0198517474 ISBN-10: 0198517475 Edition: 1st
 
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I've used Schroeder and I somewhat recommend against it. It seems to be very elementary in scope and application and I had a hard time with his style of writing. I would however recommend Dr Tong's notes on statistical mechanics,

http://www.damtp.cam.ac.uk/user/tong/statphys/sp.pdf

and Reif's book titled "Fundamentals of Statistical and Thermal Physics".
 

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