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

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The discussion centers on finding a supplementary textbook for thermodynamics and kinetic theory of gases that offers a more mathematical approach than Serway's book. Participants recommend several options, highlighting M.W. Zemansky and R. H. Dittman's "Heat and Thermodynamics" as a classic and superior choice. H.B. Callen's "Thermodynamics and an Introduction to Thermostatics" is also suggested for its clarity and effectiveness in explaining concepts. Additionally, K. Wark's "Thermodynamics" is mentioned, though with less enthusiasm. Other notable recommendations include Sir James Jeans' "An Introduction to the Kinetic Theory of Gases" and Wolfgang Pauli's "Statistical Mechanics," both praised for their mathematical rigor and visual approach. Online resources related to thermodynamics and gas laws are also shared, providing further avenues for study.
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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