What's a good book for 'Thermodynamics and kinetic theory of gases'?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for books focused on the mathematical formulation of thermodynamics and kinetic theory of gases, particularly alternatives to Serway's textbook. Participants are seeking resources that delve deeper into the subject matter.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that Zemansky's book is a classic and superior to Serway's.
  • Another participant recommends Sommerfeld as a classic text, despite its age.
  • A participant agrees with the recommendation of Zemansky and adds that Sir James Jeans' "An Introduction to the Kinetic Theory of Gases" and Wolfgang Pauli's "Statistical Mechanics" are also good options, noting their mathematical focus.
  • One participant shares links to tutorials on differential forms applied to thermodynamics, highlighting their visual approach.
  • A participant recommends Callen's book based on personal experience, emphasizing its clarity in explaining concepts.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on which books are most suitable, with some favoring Zemansky and Callen, while others suggest additional titles like Sommerfeld and Pauli's work. No consensus is reached on a single recommended book.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference specific editions of the suggested books, which may influence their recommendations based on the content and presentation style of those editions.

Tosh5457
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The main book we'll be using will be Serway's, but I want a different book that's more focused on the mathematics formulation of thermodynamics and kinetic theory of gases, and not so simple as Serway's.

The other 3 books in the discipline's bibliography are:
• M.W. Zemansky and R. H. Dittman, Heat and Thermodynamics, McGraw-Hill, 6th edition, 1981.

• H.B. Callen, Thermodynamics and an Introduction to Thermostatics, J. Wiley, 2nd edition, 1985.

• K. Wark, Thermodynamics, McGraw-Hill, 3rd edition, 1977.

Are any of those good for what I want? If not, what's a good one?
Thanks :smile:
 
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Zemansky´s book is a classic, well above Serway's.
I'd also consider Sommerfeld; another classic in spite of its "age"
 
Tosh5457 said:
The main book we'll be using will be Serway's, but I want a different book that's more focused on the mathematics formulation of thermodynamics and kinetic theory of gases, and not so simple as Serway's.

The other 3 books in the discipline's bibliography are:
• M.W. Zemansky and R. H. Dittman, Heat and Thermodynamics, McGraw-Hill, 6th edition, 1981.

• H.B. Callen, Thermodynamics and an Introduction to Thermostatics, J. Wiley, 2nd edition, 1985.

• K. Wark, Thermodynamics, McGraw-Hill, 3rd edition, 1977.

Are any of those good for what I want? If not, what's a good one?
Thanks :smile:

I agree with Gordianus on Zemansky. May I also suggest Sir James Jeans' classic "An Introduction to the Kinetic Theory of Gases" and Nobel laureate Wolfgang Pauli's highly mathematical "Statistical Mechanics" Both are available in inexpensive paperback editions.
 
These are tutorials on differential forms applied to Thermo. I like them because they are highly visual:
http://www.av8n.com/physics/thermo-forms.htm
http://www.av8n.com/physics/partial-derivative.htm

There's also an online Thermo book written by the same author. The author has a lot to say about standard Thermo books.
Here's the summary of the book:
http://www.av8n.com/physics/thermo/summary.html
Here's the book:
http://www.av8n.com/physics/thermo/

I also found an extensive tutorial on gas laws, though I haven't read it:
http://www.av8n.com/physics/gas-laws.htm
 
I would recommend Callen. I used it when I took thermo as an undergrad, and I still remember marveling at how clearly it explained concepts.
 

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