Stellar Evolution and Nucleosynthesis

by Sean G. Ryan, Andrew Norton

This self-contained astrophysics textbook for advanced undergraduates explores how stars form, what happens to them as they age, and what becomes of them when they die. Students can investigate the physical processes sustaining the energy output of stars during each stage of their evolution and which drive the progression from one stage to the next, and examine the relationship between different stages of stellar evolution and the production of the chemical elements. The textbook contains a wealth of worked examples and exercises with full solutions. Summaries, key facts and equations are clearly identified, and there are full colour illustrations throughout. Drawing on decades of experience in supported learning and independent study, this textbook is an ideal bridging text for astrophysics and physics majors looking to move on from the introductory texts. Accompanying resources to this textbook are available at: http: //www.cambridge.org/features/astrophysics

Genres: Physics, Science

236 pages, Paperback

First published January 7, 2010

Reviews

[Kryno Bosman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. A tough topic well explained by both authors.

[Umran Haji · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a tremendous book and a refreshing alternative to more canonical texts on stellar physics that are abysmally poorly written. I read this book on my own to help me study for my stellar physics class and it served me well. The book is clear and thorough in its explanations, down-to-earth and non-stilted in its tone, and has excellent summaries at the end of each chapter. It is also very well-organized and replete with worked examples. As a reference for an undergraduate-level class, this is truly a gem. The only reason I give it 4 stars rather than 5 is that I wish it went more in-depth on radiative diffusion and convection. In particular, it does not provide a derivation of the radiative diffusion equation, and it doesn't include anything about mixing length theory, convective velocity, etc.

[Vicky Sharratt · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellently written book explaining some tough physics in an easily approachable manner. Recommenended for undergaduates, graduates and as a reference for researchers.

An Open University set text written in the easily usable Open University style suitable for distance, solo and regular face-to-face learning environments.