Very good free online thermal Physics book

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the use of Schroeder's textbook for thermal physics, which some users find lacking in rigor and clarity. An alternative resource, a free online textbook by H. Gould and J. Tobochnik, is highlighted for its comprehensive coverage and clearer explanations of concepts. The online book also includes interactive simulations, enhancing the learning experience. Users are considering whether to invest in Reif's textbook, which is recommended for third-year students, and are debating if the Gould and Tobochnik book matches the breadth of Reif's content. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the search for quality educational resources in thermal physics.
tim_lou
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I am currently in a thermal physics class and am using the popular standard textbook by Schroeder. But I found some of the derivations in there non-rigorous and lack good explanation.

I looked for some additional references and I came across this site:
http://stp.clarku.edu/notes/

which contains a full thermal physics which you can download
(by H. Gould, J. Tobochnik)

This book really clears a lot of the fuzzy concepts i learned from Schroeder's book. also, the online book has a lot of simulations which is always cool to be played around with.

I thought the book is very well written and in many topics much clearer and more detailed than the ones in Schroeder's book. I just would like to share this with anyone looking for a good free text.
 
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Yeah, I've downloaded it... and I'm looking for a thermal physics text. But I don't know if I should buy Reif or print this one. Reif seems better for my third year, and it's recommended too.

So, does this book cover as much territory as Reif, or is the latter the better alternative?
 
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