Equilibrium Thermodynamics

by C.J. Adkins

Equilibrium Thermodynamics gives a comprehensive but concise course in the fundamentals of classical thermodynamics. Although the subject is essentially classical in nature, illustrative material is drawn widely from modern physics and free use is made of microscopic ideas to illuminate it. The overriding objective in writing the book was to achieve a clear exposition: to give an account of the subject that it both stimulating and easy to learn from. Classical thermodynamics has such wide application that it can be taught in many ways. The terms of reference for Equilibrium Thermodynamics are primarily those of the undergraduate physicist; but it is also suitable for courses in chemistry, engineering, materials science etc. The subject is usually taught in the first or second year of an undergraduate course, but the book takes the student to degree standard (and beyond). Prerequisites are elementary or school-level thermal physics.

Genres: Physics, Science, Textbooks

300 pages, Paperback

First published January 27, 1968

Reviews

[Chase · Rating 1 out of 5]

As of writing this review, I have taken 11 physics classes in college, and read through 8 physics textbooks. Equilibrium Thermodynamics is my ninth, and the only college physics textbook that I have truly disliked so far in my academic career. The reasons for my dislike of the book are as follows:
1) I don't like Adkins' ancient and often confusing conventions and notations. Of course, unwieldy convention is not a good enough reason to dislike a physics textbook; and as a student of physics, I am flexible and knowledgeable enough to work with different conventions. My real qualm would be that
2) there seems to be very little derivation. As a textbook meant for junior and seniors, it makes sense to not go into derivations that students have already encountered before, but Adkins takes it much further than this. He routinely introduces concepts throughout the chapters without the physics or theory behind it - i.e., no derivations. He then sets up problems in the back of the book that are essentially themed at blindly applying mathematical formulas. This is an unsatisfying approach for those that want to learn physics, and his lack of explanatory detail is frustrating.

[Rohit Goswami · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is notable mainly for it's excellent and lucid coverage of the Carthedory principle, as well a compelling Second Law derivation without the handwaving of infinitesimally small carnot cycles.

The only reason for getting 4 stars instead of 5 is that the notions of fugacity and chemical affinity are absent, which is odd for a book on equilibrium thermodynamics.

An excellent addition to any thermodynamics afficianado's bookshelf.

[Hector Agudelo]

It is great!