Introduction to Modern Thermodynamics

Thermodynamics is a core part of most science and engineering degree programs. However, the majority of texts that are currently available to students take a “classical” approach, teaching thermodynamics very much as it was presented in the 19th century. This is done generally for historical rather than pedagogical reasons. “Modern” thermodynamics, in contrast, relates entropy, the central concept of thermodynamics, to irreversible processes.

An Introduction to Modern Thermodynamics provides the first modern approach to thermodynamics written specifically for a first undergraduate course. It covers the fundamental formalism with some attention given to its history; describes basic applications of the formalism and continues with a number of additional applications that instructors can use according to their particular degree program – these chapters cover thermal radiation, biological systems, nano systems, classical stability theory, and principles of statistical thermodynamics. A wide range of examples appear throughout the book from biological, engineering and atmospheric systems.

Endlich ein Lehrbuch der modernen Thermodynamik speziell fur Studenten im Grundstudium! Nach der Einfuhrung des Formelgebaudes und seiner wichtigsten Anwendungen bietet der Autor eine Palette spezieller Kapitel zur Auswahl nach den Interessen des Lesers oder den Schwerpunkten des Kurses: Warmestrahlung, biologische Systeme, Nanosysteme, klassische Stabilitatstheorie, statistische Thermodynamik. Losungen fur die zahlreichen Beispiele und Ubungen konnen von einem zugehorigen Webserver heruntergeladen werden, der au?erdem interessante Links zu Datensammlungen und relevanten Ressourcen bietet. Preface.

Part I: The Formalism of Modern Thermodynamics.

1. Basic Concepts and the Laws of Gases.

2. The First Law of Thermodynamics.

3. The Second Law of Thermodynamics and the Arrow of Time.

4. Entropy in the Realm of Chemical Reactions.

5. Extremum Principles and General Thermodynamic Relations.

Part II: Applications: Equilibrium and Nonequilibrium Systems.

6. Basic Thermodynamics of Gases, Liquids and Solids.

7. Thermodynamics of Phase Change.

8. Thermodynamics of Solutions.

9. Thermodynamics of Chemical Transformations.

10. Fields and Internal Degrees of Freedom.

11. Introduction to Nonequilibrium Systems.

Part III: Additional Topics.

12. Thermodynamics of Radiation.

13. Biological Systems.

14. Thermodynamics of Small Systems.

15. Classical Stability Theory.

16. Critical Phenomena and Configurationally Heat Capacity.

17. Elements of Statistical Thermodynamics.

List of Variables.

Standard Thermodynamic Properties.

Physical Constants and Data.

Name Index.

Subject Index.

"The book is excellent at capturing and keeping the interest of the reader. The historical perspective and the biographical sketches of the major developers of thermodynamics are exceptionally good." (Angewandte Chemie International Edition, January 5, 2009)

Dilip Kondepudi is Thurman D. Kitchin Professor of Chemistry, Wake Forest University, where his main research interest is chiral asymmetry in nature. He has, in addition, many years teaching experience to both under- and postgraduate students. He is the author, with the late Ilya Prigogine, of the highly successful book Modern Thermodynamics: From Heat Engines to Dissipative Structures.

Introduction to Modern Thermodynamics

Dilip Kondepudi, Wake Forest University

This is the first modern approach to thermodynamics written specifically for an undergraduate course. It covers the fundamental modern formalism that relates rates of entropy production to irreversible processes, and its historical context; describes basic applications of the formalism and continues with a number of additional applications that instructors can use according to their particular degree program. These chapters cover thermal radiation, biological systems, small systems including nano systems, classical stability theory, and principles of statistical thermodynamics. A wide range of examples appear throughout the book showing the student a wide range of applications in biological, engineering and atmospheric systems.

Introduction to Modern Thermodynamics will prove invaluable to chemists, chemical engineers, physicists, material scientists, industrial and mechanical engineers taking a first course in thermodynamics.

• First modern approach to the subject written for undergraduates
• Suitable for a variety of degree programs with an extensive range of applications and examples drawn from biological, engineering, atmospheric and small systems including nano systems
• Includes Onsager reciprocal relations and dissipative structures
• Numerous examples and exercises in each chapter
• Mathematica codes for solving complex problems
• Dedicated website for students and instructors