Thermodynamics and an Introduction to Thermostatistics, 2nd Edition

Book Description

The only text to cover both thermodynamic and statistical mechanics--allowing students to fully master thermodynamics at the macroscopic level. Presents essential ideas on critical phenomena developed over the last decade in simple, qualitative terms. This new edition maintains the simple structure of the first and puts new emphasis on pedagogical considerations. Thermostatistics is incorporated into the text without eclipsing macroscopic thermodynamics, and is integrated into the conceptual framework of physical theory.

Customer Reviews:

Wrong Edition Sent.......2007-09-24

Although the edition was correct, the book was a paperback when I specifically paid for hardbound. Even more frustrating was the fact that it was not eligible for return.

Key to undestanf statistical physics.......2006-10-26

The postulational approach is really great. This book tooks away all the question I had about the connection between thermodynamics and statistical physics. I think it's a good idea to read Fermi's thermodynamics also. To see how smart one can be when using thermodynamics.

nice book, nice service.......2005-09-16

I am both satisfied with amazon service and with the book.

Excellent.......2005-03-30

Beautiful simple straightforward approach to thermodynamics. The postulates are well explained and the use of the axioms is highlighted. Challenging questions make this book a joy to use, great a student text as well as a reference.

Insightful Postulational Approach to Thermodynamics.......2004-05-19

Why did I buy an older thermodynamics text, one first published in 1960? I trusted the advice of earlier reviewers.
They say: 1) The best treatment of classical thermodynamics that I have seen. The chapters on phase transitions are excellent and the mechanical model used to illustrate critical phenomena is brilliant. 2) It is far better than most books on the subject. 3) I think this book has no competition as a text in thermodynamics. It is the ideal preparation for a book like Landau's Statistical Physics. 4) The overview of the fundamentals of thermodynamics is without rival. 5) I think this book is a great option if you feel disappointed with the standard treatment of thermodynamics.

A few reviewers argued that Callen's text was less suitable for engineering students (too few heat-mechanical energy conversion problems) and chemical engineers (too few chemical mixture problems).

My trust was not misplaced. Thermodynamics, an Introduction to the Physical Theories of Equilibrium Thermostatics and Irreversible Thermodynamics, is an exceptional text. I give it five stars.

H. B. Callen offers a fascinating and insightful postulational approach to thermodynamics rather than the conventional inductive approach. He targets first year graduate students and advanced undergraduates; however, even readers proficient with advanced thermodynamics should find Callen's approach stimulating.

The text has three primary sections: General Principles of Classical Thermodynamics (200 pages), Representative Applications (65 pages), and Fluctuations and Irreversible Thermodynamics (50 pages). An extensive appendix, some 50 pages, offers a useful review of pertinent mathematics and other relevant topics. Answers are not provided to the chapter problems.

Interspersed throughout are brief chapters that review useful mathematical techniques. I appreciated the discussions of the Euler equation, the Legendre transformations, the extremum principle in the Legendre transformed representations, and the Maxwell relations (not the Maxwell EM equations). Callen provides useful tools like a thermodynamic mnemonic diagram (first introduced by Max Born) and associated procedures for reducing the formal manipulation of partial derivates to "a simple recipe".

Callen's text has been widely used. I reviewed the 1960 first edition, eighteenth printing. A second edition published in 1984 is easier to find and is often used today as a supplementary text.

Thanks again for the advice from previous reviewers.

Molecular Driving Forces: Statistical Thermodynamics in CHemistry & Biology

Average customer rating:

spectacular introduction!
Good enough to be self-study book
Want to understand the physics if life? Need to read this!

Molecular Driving Forces: Statistical Thermodynamics in CHemistry & Biology
Ken A. Dill
Manufacturer: Routledge
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Similar Items:

An Introduction to Statistical Thermodynamics
Biological Physics (Updated Edition)
Random Walks in Biology
Biological Thermodynamics
Molecular Modeling and Simulation

ASIN: 0815320515

Book Description

This text shows how many complex behaviors of molecules can result from a few simple physical processes. A central theme is the idea that simplistic models can give surprisingly accurate insights into the workings of the molecular world. Written in a clear and student-friendly style, the book gives an excellent introduction to the field for novices. It should also be useful to those who want to refresh their understanding of this important field, and those interested in seeing how physical principles can be applied to the study of problems in the chemical, biological, and material sciences. Furthermore, Molecular Driving Forces contains a number of features including:
*449 carefully produced figures illustrating the subject matter
*178 worked examples in the chapters which explain the key concepts and show their practical applications
*The text is mathematically self-contained, with 'mathematical toolkits' providing the required maths
*Advanced material that might not be suitable for some elementary courses is clearly delineated in the text
*End-of-chapter references and suggestions for further reading

Customer Reviews:

spectacular introduction!.......2007-03-10

I have this book assigned as a text book for one of my classes and it is superb. Very clear explaination from the very basics of statistics and how it builds up to thermodynamics and beyond. The book succintly explains all of the necessary math and has instructive examples to drive the point home. I really like this book!

Good enough to be self-study book.......2006-02-26

This book is really amazing, gives good examples and alot of questions. It is easy to follow, but it hasn't the whole math of many derivations.

Want to understand the physics if life? Need to read this!.......2003-08-02

The topic of this book, the physical chemistry of molecules, especially those relevant to biology, is one of the most challenging courses to a college student in chemist. But these authors have tried to make it easy for you - and they succeed. They used figures, pictures and analogies to help you to understand some of the most sophisticated concepts in science. For example entropy. The authors are leading researchers in the field and they brought a unique perspective to the subject; the writing is very lucid.

Thermodynamics: An Engineering Approach w/ Student Resources DVD

Average customer rating:

Textbook
Ivestigation and extra help
A book for chemical engineers written by mechanical engineers...
Good product
Fantastic

Thermodynamics: An Engineering Approach w/ Student Resources DVD
Yunus A. Cengel , and Michael A. Boles
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill Science/Engineering/Math
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Mechanics of Materials (6th Edition)
Mechanics of Materials
Introduction to Fluid Mechanics
Fundamentals of Fluid Mechanics
Fundamentals of Heat and Mass Transfer

Accessories:

Schaum's Outline of Thermodynamics With Chemical Applications (Schaum's Outline Series)
Schaum's Outline of Thermodynamics for Engineers, 2nd edition (Schaum's Outlines)
Schaum Engineering Thermodynamics (Schaum's Outlines)
Schaum's Outline of Heat Transfer

ASIN: 0073107689

Book Description

The worldwide bestseller Thermodynamics: An Engineering Approach brings further refinement to an approach that emphasizes a physical understanding of the fundamental concepts of thermodynamics. The authors offer an engineering textbook that "talks directly to tomorrow's engineers in a simple yet precise manner, that encourages creative thinking, and is read by the students with interest and enthusiasm."

The new edition features an early introduction of the first law of thermodynamics, separate coverage of closed systems energy analysis, combined coverage of control volume mass and energy analysis, and revised coverage of compressible flow. Over 300 comprehensive problems have been added to this physically intuitive text, many of which come from industrial applications.

The media package for this text is extensive, giving users a large variety of supplemental resources to choose from. A Student Resources DVD is packaged with each new copy of the text and contains the popular Engineering Equation Solver (EES) software, Physical Experiments, and an Interactive Thermodynamics tutorial. An Online Learning Center is also available to students and instructors at http://www.mhhe.com/cengel. Instructors also have access to an Instructor Resource CD-ROM that provides useful tools in order to optimize in-class presentations.

Customer Reviews:

Textbook.......2007-01-12

It was the correct textbook. It's an old version but that is what the prof required. Books are Books.

Ivestigation and extra help.......2007-01-07

This book provide a excellent definition of Thermodynamic that help you to understand all concepts that you need to learn this subjet, the problems are very clear to understand the process to resolve they.

A book for chemical engineers written by mechanical engineers..........2007-01-04

My class used only the first eleven chapters, but it was clear that the chapters were written more with a mechanical engineering bent of mind. The theory part was great, but the examples could use more work, especially for the thermodynamic cycle problems, which would have been much easier if an accompanying entropy-temperature graph was present. also, a few of the worked out solutions were incorrect. Overall, a good book, but keep a look out for alternates. Maybe the updated edition is better..
Also, make sure your copy has the property table accompanying it, because they are really important and for many problems, it is easier to use the slim tables than the heavy book.

Good product.......2006-11-10

I got my book that I ordered in the time they specified and it was ing good condition.

Fantastic.......2006-10-29

Frankly, I think that this was one of the best engineering texts I have had. Granted, I am only a stupid mechanical engineer, but this book gives your all that you need for as a basis for heat transfer and other courses. Also included in the special topics are refrigerators. Yes, they are random, but they actually connected pulling values out of tables with real life. The book had good examples, and enough of them. The text was readable and straightforward.

Something that I rather like is that the pictures were in red, black, and white. I think it makes the pages less distracting and easier to read (although sometimes it does take an extra minute to figure out the diagram).

I am not sure what the DVD was--some software, I believe, but no professor ever bothers to use it. That is what I wish they had cut to save money.

The Fokker-Planck Equation: Methods of Solutions and Applications (Springer Series in Synergetics)

Average customer rating:

Rigorous book
A good book on a difficult subject.

The Fokker-Planck Equation: Methods of Solutions and Applications (Springer Series in Synergetics)
Hannes Risken , and Till Frank
Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Handbook of Stochastic Methods: for Physics, Chemistry and the Natural Sciences (Springer Series in Synergetics)
An Introduction to Stochastic Processes in Physics (Johns Hopkins Paperback)
Nonequilibrium Statistical Mechanics
Numerical Solution of Stochastic Differential Equations (Stochastic Modelling and Applied Probability)
Stochastic Processes in Physics and Chemistry, Third Edition (North-Holland Personal Library) (North-Holland Personal Library)

Accessories:

Critical Phenomena in Natural Sciences: Chaos, Fractals, Selforganization and Disorder: Concepts and Tools (Springer Series in Synergetics)
Cybernetical Physics: From Control of Chaos to Quantum Control (Understanding Complex Systems)
Nonlinear Dynamics of Chaotic and Stochastic Systems: Tutorial and Modern Developments (Springer Series in Synergetics)

ASIN: 354061530X

Book Description

This book deals with the derivation of the Fokker-Planck equation, methods of solving it and some of its applications. Various methods such as the simulation method, the eigenfunction expansion, numerical integration, the variational method, and the matrix continued-fraction method are discussed. This is the first time that this last method, which is very effective in dealing with simple Fokker-Planck equations having two variables, appears in a textbook. The methods of solution are applied to the statistics of a simple laser model and to Brownian motion in potentials. It is shown that the solution of the equation for Brownian motion in a variety of potentials can be expressed in terms suitable for evaluation on a computer. A supplement is included, containing a short review of new material together with some recent references. The book should be very useful to graduate students in physics, chemical physics, and electrical engineering, and also to research workers in these fields.

Customer Reviews:

Rigorous book .......2006-12-28

This book is a classical reference in the subject of stochastic dynamics. It is a graduate level book written in clear and concise language. It covers all the basics about Langevin and Fokker-Planck equations (Chapters 3 and 4). In these chapters, Moyal expansion, Ito and Stratonovich interpretation of stochastic processes is presented carefully. Then they move on to study various methods of solving FP equation in the next 7 chapters. In the final chapter, FP equation and its application to Laser is discussed.

I recommend reading this book along with Gardiner's book (Handbook of Stochastic Methods) to anyone who wants to learn about stochastic dynamics seriously.

A good book on a difficult subject........2004-03-15

I got the impression that there are very few good textbooks on the subject of random processes in continuous time and the Fokker-Planck equation, which are accessible for physicists. In this book the subject presented in a manner that I thought to be a good compromise between mathematical rigor and physical intuition. For example to the spirit of the book, white noise is introduced both from the point of view of a physicist (it has a very short correlation time etc) and from the point of view of a mathematician (as the "derivative" of a Wiener process). While I found the book not very friendly or easy to read, it was one of my main sources for self-learning this subject during my Ph. D. work. I found the book three years ago, own it for two years and keep learning from it until today. I recommend the book very much.

Thermodynamics, Statistical Thermodynamics, and Kinetics

Average customer rating:

Adequate text, but poorly edited
McQuarrie and Atkins are more detailed.
Needs to be checked for errors

Thermodynamics, Statistical Thermodynamics, and Kinetics
Thomas Engel , and Philip Reid
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Quantum Chemistry and Spectroscopy
Experiments In Physical Chemistry
Inorganic Chemistry
Quantitative Chemical Analysis
Physical Chemistry

ASIN: 0805338446

Book Description

Thermodynamics, Statistical Thermodynamics, and Kinetics is a groundbreaking new text that explains core topics in depth with a focus on basic principles, applications, and modern research. The authors hone in on key concepts and cover them thoroughly and in detail â as opposed to the general, encyclopedic approach competing textbooks take. Excessive math formalism is avoided to keep readers focused on the most important concepts and to provide greater clarity. Applications woven throughout each chapter demonstrate to readers how chemical theories are used to solve real-world chemical problems in biology, environmental science, and material science. Extensive coverage of modern research and new developments in the field get readers excited about this dynamic branch of science. Quantum Chemistry and Spectroscopy is a split text (from Physical Chemistry) and is organized to facilitate "Quantum first" courses. The online Chemistry Place for Physical Chemistry features interactive problems and simulations that reinforce and build upon material included in the book. Fundamental Concepts of Thermodynamics; Heat, Work, Internal Energy, Enthalpy, and the First Law of Thermodynamics; The Importance of State Functions: Internal Energy and Enthalpy; Thermochemistry; Entropy and the Second and Third Law of Thermodynamics; Chemical Equilibrium; The Properties of Real Gases; The Relative Stability of Solids, Liquids, and Gases; Ideal and Real Solutions; Electrolyte Solutions; Electrochemical Cells, Batteries, and Fuel Cells; Probability; The Boltzmann Distribution; Ensemble and Molecular Partition Functions; Statistical Thermodynamics; Kinetic Theory of Gases; Transport Phenomena; Elementary Chemical Kinetics; Complex Reaction Mechanisms. For all readers interested in learning the core topics of quantum chemistry.

Customer Reviews:

Adequate text, but poorly edited.......2007-01-24

As an undergraduate chemistry major, this is the first of my textbooks that I have sold after the course was over. The book does an adequate job of explaining the basics of thermodynamics and the macroscopic view of physical chemistry, but has some severe limitations. Equations are poorly organized and can be very difficult to find when you're searching for them, and the relationships between equations are often difficult to discern (a concept that seemed to me very central to undergraduate Pchem). The worst part of the book, however, is that it is a poorly edited first edition. Many of the problems in the back (and their accompanying answers) have been pulled from an out of print book by Gilbert Castellan, but the tables in the back have been updated with current numbers. This results in occasional correct answers that do not match the answers in the book.

If your professor requires it, you're probably going have to buy it anyway, but if you're interested in a basic physical chemistry reference you're probably better off with Atkins.

McQuarrie and Atkins are more detailed........2006-09-07

This book is suitable for a themodynamics course in physical chemistry, in that gives a basic thermo course without the quantum portion in it, leaving that for a separate book. This book is a long way from the mathmatic rigor found in the Atkins text. The Atkins text was famous for its detailed proofs and brilliant math, but lacks a user-friendly feel. This book was user friendly but did not give details that could lend itself further study or understanding. If you are using this text, Mcquarrie's text is dated but is a wonderful suppliment to this text, it gives more detail where needed filling in the gaps where this text generally errs toward simplicity.
The best thing about this book is its simplicity and its readability. The worst thing about this book is its simplicity because it does not explain in detail why the mathmatical model is the way it is because of the physical interactions.

Needs to be checked for errors.......2006-04-09

Buy Levines book on physical chemistry that is a much better text. I am not saying that is is the best because I have not read every thermo book but if you want good advice, then take my word and buy Levines book. It seems as though engels text has not been edited or proofread enough or maybe not at all. I think he just solved all the problems once and published it. There a numerous times in which he trys to make problems tricky by wording it unclearly, thinking he is smart or something, and the numerical answer he has in the back will be completely wrong. There is one problem I remember where he asks you to find the atomic weight of an atom and his answer is 1235 kg/mol or something ridiculous like that. Most of the time I can see where he made his mistakes, and notice that he tries to trick students and ends up fooling himself. Some people like texts because they are not thorough and make it easy to read a hard subject, so they don't care. But this guys just leaves things out completely.

Average customer rating:

Fantastic First Book
Good Stuff
Good
comprehensive book
Best book available at this level

An Introduction to Thermal Physics
Daniel V. Schroeder
Manufacturer: Addison Wesley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Introduction to Electrodynamics (3rd Edition)
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ASIN: 0201380277

Customer Reviews:

Fantastic First Book.......2007-07-27

This book is a great introduction to thermal physics for a physicist, and a fantastic book for chemists who found physical chemistry hand-waving. This books wants you to understand what's going on more than anything. Very self-teachable, that's how I did it. It is on the easy side, and the problems are relatively simple, but if you want an introduction, this is it. Helps with the conceptual understanding better than any other thermodynamics book I've ever read (all physical chemistry books are written by people not able to communicate or don't really understand thermodynamics, just memorize). Stat mechanics in it is a little weak, but still a good introduction.

Good Stuff.......2007-02-20

I have this book for an undergrad Intro to Thermal Physics class. I think it's great. The author takes a mixed approach and varies between thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. I don't find this annoying. It's nice to see how they are interrelated. Schroeder also reveals the depth of thermal physics and the large variety of areas it covers.

It's valid criticism that there are not many examples and the problems can be very challenging. Some answers in the back of the book would be nice. It is not a book that is for the self-teacher, but with a good professor it's very nice. Finally, the price is amazingly low. If only more texbooks were this cheap!

\m/ \m/

Good.......2007-01-08

I am a physics, math,and biology major; minoring in chemistry. The book is written very well and the concepts are explained very well throughout the book.

comprehensive book.......2006-11-10

I like the book al lot, the writes has an excellent view on how to explain the physics step by step. Of course you will need some basic knowledge of calculus (integrals, differentials). What I dislike about the book is that for some of the problems included to practise your skills you need to estimate some values which makes it difficult to check your answer (when you only get a number to compare it with). This, and the fact that the answers to the problems are not in the book (you probably need to buy some other book for it or so). This makes it impossible to check you answers.

Best book available at this level.......2006-09-06

This is best text on Statistical Mechanics and Thermo available at the advanced undergrad level. None of the other texts at this level can compete: Reif contains eveything but doesn't distinguish between important ideas and unimportant details. Kittel and Kroemer is too terse. Baierlein is too long-winded and idiosyncratic. Schroeder's text strikes just the right level: the big ideas are clearly explained and well-motivated. I like the order of presentation. The math is at the right level, the problems are excellent. There is even some humor. I have only two (minor) complaints: 1) the derivation of the entropy of an ideal gas involves some uncertainty-principle-hand-waving when a straight-forward counting of particle-in-a-box states would have done the job. 2) There is little or no discussion of transport properties: diffusion, thermal conductitivy, viscosity, and the like. If you don't like this book, then you won't like the others on this subject.

Transport Phenomena in Multiphase Systems

Average customer rating:

Transport phenomena, graduate level

Transport Phenomena in Multiphase Systems
Amir Faghri , and Yuwen Zhang
Manufacturer: Academic Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Heat Pipe Science And Technology (Mechanical Engineering (Taylor & Francis Group))
Heat Pipes, Fifth Edition: Theory, Design and Applications

ASIN: 0123706106

Book Description

Engineering students in a wide variety of engineering disciplines from mechanical and chemical to biomedical and materials engineering must master the principles of transport phenomena as an essential tool in analyzing and designing any system or systems wherein momentum, heat and mass are transferred. This textbook was developed to address that need, with a clear presentation of the fundamentals, ample problem sets to reinforce that knowledge, and tangible examples of how this knowledge is put to use in engineering design. Professional engineers, too, will find this book invaluable as reference for everything from heat exchanger design to chemical processing system design and more.

* Develops an understanding of the thermal and physical behavior of multiphase systems with phase change, including microscale and porosity, for practical applications in heat transfer, bioengineering, materials science, nuclear engineering, environmental engineering, process engineering, biotechnology and nanotechnology

* Brings all three forms of phase change, i.e., liquid <--> vapor, solid <--> liquid and solid <--> vapor, into one volume and describes them from one perspective in the context of fundamental treatment

* Presents the generalized integral and differential transport phenomena equations for multi-component multiphase systems in local instance as well as averaging formulations. The molecular approach is also discussed with the connection between microscopic and molecular approaches

* Presents basic principles of analyzing transport phenomena in multiphase systems with emphasis on melting, solidification, sublimation, vapor deposition, condensation, evaporation, boiling and two-phase flow heat transfer at the micro and macro levels

* Solid/liquid/vapor interfacial phenomena, including the concepts of surface tension, wetting phenomena, disjoining pressure, contact angle, thin films and capillary phenomena, including interfacial balances for mass, species, momentum, and energy for multi-component and multiphase interfaces are discussed

* Ample examples and end-of-chapter problems, with Solutions Manual and PowerPoint presentation available to the instructors

Customer Reviews:

Transport phenomena, graduate level.......2007-08-31

excelent reference for any course in advanced transport phenomena, good balance in math and theory, and easy to read, very well organized, like most of the book writen by Mech Engs.... (Excellent for Chem Engs and Mech Engs, but not good for those areas weak in math)

Nonequilibrium Statistical Mechanics (Physics Textbook)

Average customer rating:

Nonequilibrium Statistical Mechanics (Physics Textbook)
Gene F. Mazenko
Manufacturer: Wiley-VCH
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Statistical Mechanics: Entropy, Order Parameters and Complexity (Oxford Master Series in Physics)
Fluctuations Order & Defects
Condensed Matter Field Theory
Quantum Liquids: Bose Condensation and Cooper Pairing in Condensed-Matter Systems (Oxford Graduate Texts)

ASIN: 3527406484

Book Description

The present text offers a graduate level treatment of time dependent phenomena in condensed matter physics. Conventional ideas of linear response theory and kinetic theory are treated in detail. The general emphasis, however, in on the development of generalized Langevin equations for treating nonlinear behaviour in a wide variety of systems. A full treatment is given for the underpinnings of hydrodynamics for fluids.

This is the third volume of a four volume set of texts by the same author, two of which have already been published ("Fluctuations, Order, and Defects" 0-471-32840-5, "Equilibrium Statistical Mechanics" 0-471-32839-1). While the preceding volume contains material that is a prerequisite for fully understanding the material presented here, this volume is self-contained and can stand alone from the preceding volume.

Classical and Statistical Thermodynamics

Average customer rating:

A great book for the simple stuff
Good introduction, but that is all
Not for those new to the subject
Useful and challenging book

Classical and Statistical Thermodynamics
Ashley H. Carter
Manufacturer: Benjamin Cummings
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Quantum Physics
Introduction to Electrodynamics (3rd Edition)
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The Art of Electronics
PIC Microcontroller: An Introduction to Software & Hardware Interfacing

ASIN: 0137792085

Book Description

This book provides a solid introduction to the classical and statistical theories of thermodynamics while assuming no background beyond general physics and advanced calculus. Though an acquaintance with probability and statistics is helpful, it is not necessary. Providing a thorough, yet concise treatment of the phenomenological basis of thermal physics followed by a presentation of the statistical theory, this book presupposes no exposure to statistics or quantum mechanics. It covers several important topics, including a mathematically sound presentation of classical thermodynamics; the kinetic theory of gases including transport processes; and thorough, modern treatment of the thermodynamics of magnetism. It includes up-to-date examples of applications of the statistical theory, such as Bose-Einstein condensation, population inversions, and white dwarf stars. And, it also includes a chapter on the connection between thermodynamics and information theory. Standard International units are used throughout. An important reference book for every professional whose work requires and understanding of thermodynamics: from engineers to industrial designers. ÿ

Customer Reviews:

A great book for the simple stuff.......2005-10-04

I read this book pretty much cover to cover while preparing for a PhD qualify exam. It's the nicest thermodynamics book I've seen. The fact that I could just sit and read it like a novel was great (I never much liked thermo). Of course, it's also at a very basic level - it doesn't cover canonical or grand canonical formalism at all. But it has the basics of classical and even some quantum stat mech, and a good little bit on information theory.

For those who think it's too basic - come on, it's an undergrad book. Good for a second or third year course. The book description calling it "an important reference book for every professional" is puzzling, since it's not a reference book (not for the professional,anyway). But it is well written.

And it's very much overpriced, so I wouldn't buy it. But check it out from the library.

Good introduction, but that is all.......2004-12-06

I read Carter's book as a reference to my graduate thermo course. The good thing is, that it is so far the only book I have come across, that covers both classical and statistical thermodynamics equally. You will find that most books that claim to do both (Callen's, for example) are in fact classical thermo texts with some statistical stuff dangling on it.

The downside, is that it is a little too trivial. Having almost no exposure in stat. mech., I still find the exercises a little too easy. Concepts and derivations are spotty at times, and "leaps of faith" are common. Perhaps Carter wanted to spare the student from all the formalism. As a result, I needed a second book (I used Atkins' text on physical chemistry) to supplement my understanding.

I suppose this book aimed for a senior undergrad level. Despite the brevity, I would recommend this book as an introductory book on the "new" thermodynamics.

Not for those new to the subject.......2004-05-24

We used this book in a undergrad thermo course, it was almost of no use. It covered a fair amount of material, though I have seen books that cover more (Look at the dimensions, it is small and only about 400 pages.) It moved quickly, skipping details, especially in the proofs. I feel it would be a good summary for grad students who have studied thermodynamics before, but there are many better books out there for students seeking a first course.

Useful and challenging book.......2002-02-03

This is a challenging book to use if you are studying thermodynamics. It is concise; the theory and notation used were well done. There were some formulation mistakes in the Maxwell relations table and other little formulation mistakes. The author uses well known classical and statistical formulae well and good derivations (I liked that). Some of the problem sets were inconsistent with areas covered in a few chapters and some were oversimplified. Overall a decent book to use if your taking statistical thermo.

Average customer rating:

This book is one of the best on the subject.
Don't take a chance with your time on this book
Not THAT bad...
Fascinating Subject But Horribly Unintelligible Writing
Definitely not for the layperson

Time and Chance
David Z Albert
Manufacturer: Harvard University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0674011325

Book Description

This book is an attempt to get to the bottom of an acute and perennial tension between our best scientific pictures of the fundamental physical structure of the world and our everyday empirical experience of it. The trouble is about the direction of time. The situation (very briefly) is that it is a consequence of almost every one of those fundamental scientific pictures--and that it is at the same time radically at odds with our common sense--that whatever can happen can just as naturally happen backwards.

Albert provides an unprecedentedly clear, lively, and systematic new account--in the context of a Newtonian-Mechanical picture of the world--of the ultimate origins of the statistical regularities we see around us, of the temporal irreversibility of the Second Law of Thermodynamics, of the asymmetries in our epistemic access to the past and the future, and of our conviction that by acting now we can affect the future but not the past. Then, in the final section of the book, he generalizes the Newtonian picture to the quantum-mechanical case and (most interestingly) suggests a very deep potential connection between the problem of the direction of time and the quantum-mechanical measurement problem.

The book aims to be both an original contribution to the present scientific and philosophical understanding of these matters at the most advanced level, and something in the nature of an elementary textbook on the subject accessible to interested high-school students.

Customer Reviews:

This book is one of the best on the subject........2007-05-09

I couldn't stand to see this book with such poor user reviews. One can see the academic reviews are stellar. This is the best book on time that I have ever read. It is not pop-science, it is an academic work on the foundations of physics and time. As such, it is not an easy book to read, despite the fact that it is well-written and anyone should be able to follow it if their mind has not atrophied. It is not easy because it presents in almost full glory all the problems most physicists ignore with respect to questions concerning the role of time in modern physics. I gave this book four stars because I thought it was missing (2) things. One - epistemic motivation for the past hypothesis, Two - Convincing arguments that QCD time-reversal symmetry breaking doesn't really matter for the questions discussed. Anyone who thinks this is a poorly written book should survey the other literature on the topic for comparison. Dr. Albert has tackled a difficult subject with a degree of intellectual integrity and honesty uncommon in physics so don't complain if you have to think because that is the purpose of the book. I have read this book repeatedly and learn something new almost everytime I open the book. I thouroughly disagree with his attempted resolution of time-reversal invariance and entropy increase through the past hypothesis, in particular since the epistemic motivation for the past hypothesis admits necessarily of no non-circular verification. I still maintain he has done an excellent job in writing this book and the poor user reviews should not prevent anyone from reading it. Expect to read it slowly at least twice and to have to think and you will know more about time than most physics PhD's.

Don't take a chance with your time on this book.......2005-03-26

The title is aptly chosen. Time and chance. You'll loose out of both on this book. Try the book The Direction of Time. It is a much better written book. It is amazing that Alberts actually earned his degree in anything. The man simply cannot write worth a damn, try as hard as he does to convey what often are simple concepts.

Not THAT bad..........2004-03-10

I, and anyone who has read Albert's previous QM book, can readily agree with the other reviewers that his style is as queer as a four dollar bill, as off-putting as it is annoying. And yet, as I kept returning to Albert--this book in particular--all the while my outside reading on the subjects giving me a firmer rudimentary comprehension of the problems, I came to find that, slowly but surely, his work grew on me.
But as that's only my experience, I'll make sure prospective readers all understand just exactly what it is they're going to get themselves into with Albert:
1) Again, the style. He repeats phrases and words (e.g. "patently") often many times in the same sentence, which latter often read like Kant: a front clause and end clause that relate pretty obviously, but a whole middle ground that is prolix and confusing in providing the rationale for the relation. As I said, for me, the style grew on me, much as Kant's did, but it is challenging and perhaps needlessly difficult.
2) This is "patently" NOT a book for beginner's. On the other hand, it is patently not a book solely for experts either. I am no expert--not even close---and I would say I'm about one tier above begginer level, basically familiar with the relevant issues and concepts, but with no math and no formal training. The drawback of this is, of course, that issues presented much more clearly and gracefully elsewhere show up here as being complicated beyond belief. The "punchline" is (as Albert often says), that this IS complicated material, that it really isn't as simple as it's often presented, and Albert aims to give you the whole-hog, not an ice cream sundae version of it. With persistence and patience, you will get it, I swear. And just to re-iterate, you DO NOT need the math to get it, at least for this book. Most of the math is relegated to footnotes and for those who care about seeing demonstrations and proofs, which even without full understanding can be grasped from Albert's presentations of them.
3) He is repetitive, but I find this a good thing. Kant too was repetitive, but that actually helps me stay inside the frame and not get lost in the swift progress of the tour of these issues Albert is taking us through. You might hate it, so beware.
4) On the issues, Albert is fantastic, in my opinion. But when it comes to his own suggestions, and the last few chapters on QM, things get too obscure and presuppose too much on the reader's behalf (like having read his previous book). He tries, but he fails here. The good thing is, these last chapters are just icing. You'll get everything up to there, seriously, with patience and effort (although you may lose all patience, I don't deny).

I just say give it a shot. It's at least worth that much, and if you do "get it," you will be all the wiser. Good luck!

Fascinating Subject But Horribly Unintelligible Writing.......2002-06-04

Formally trained in academia as a physicist, David Albert made the switch over to philosophy to address foundational issues in physics, most notably those dealing with time and an outstanding problem in quantum mechanics known as the measurement problem. Although the endeavors of Albert are noble and worthwhile, I am afraid that he is lacking in competency as a writer to communicate his ideas in any sensible, intelligible fashion. As a former student of his, I can personally attest to how frustrating his writing and teaching style, kindly referred to by some as "unique," can be. Needlessly obtuse, ever obscure, Albert writes in such a manner that his prose can truly serve as a wonderful negative example of how not to write. Virtually every conceivable error in basic grammar and syntax is committed. Endlessly long sentences, riddled with comma splices and run on sentences, are grossly accompanied by a monstrous convolution of nestled subordinate clauses, which topple over one another and collapse any unifying logic.

Adding to this confusion, Albert repeatedly makes distracting use of parentheses in numerous attempts to develop main ideas instead of correctly using parentheses to make brief, nonessential comments. This semantic nightmare, however, does not end here, as Albert, in page after page, then incorporates numerous, ridiculously long footnotes, which like his "parenthetical" comments are also used to develop main ideas and are so needlessly complicated as to loose any cohesive significance. The net effect of all of this is to drown whatever semblance of order or meaning Albert is attempting to convey under a cacophony of jangled ideas, which chaotically crash into one another instead of logically and succinctly flowing orderly and soundly from one notion to the other. The reader senses there is some overarching unifying thread, in which all the disparate ideas Albert greatly belabors in developing will come together. This intimation, then, pushes the reader on with a very taxed patience for that moment of a great enlightenment. The anticipation of that arrival, however, proves anticlimactic, as chapter after chapter ends as it begins: in a dissolution of fragmentary, Byzantine ideas and lost meanings. Indeed, there has not been such a level of impenetrable perplexity in literature since T. S. Eliot's The Waste Land.

The most intelligible portion of this book, ironically, is to be found-not in the book itself per se-but in the description of the book on the inside of the jacket cover. Essentially, this book serves to bring an awareness to what is a fascinating problem in physics: the attempt to reconcile the temporal invariance of physical laws with our perennial everyday sense of a unidirectional nature of time. In Newtonian dynamics, for example, the governing equations of motion equally apply to both the past and the future. There is nothing in Newton's equations (or indeed in other equations that describe other physical phenomena such as electromagnetism or quantum mechanics) that specifies a direction of time. The past, in otherworlds, is just as likely to be a so-called "arrow of time" as the future is. Yet we know that there is one direction to time. In particular, the Second Law of Thermodynamics shows that we live in a universe in which entropy is ever increasing. We age and never grow younger; dropped eggs, which then crack, never spontaneous reassemble; smoke fills a room and never flows toward a point; we recall the past and not the future; and we can affect the future but not the past. Despite these common, everyday understandings of the way the universe operates, physical law makes no such distinctions of the past and future. We are as likely to become younger as we are to age; broken eggs can suddenly reassemble; smoke can converge toward a point; we should be able to recall the future as well as the past; and we can affect the past as well as the future. This is the subject that Albert is attempting to present to his readers.

Moreover, Albert offers a solution to the above problem: the so-called Past-Hypothesis, which is at the heart of this book. The Past-Hypothesis posits that the universe began in a Big Bang, low-entropy state, in which the random nature of particle motion (later argued by Albert to be possibly quantum mechanical in origin) then guarantees that the universe will evolve toward ever growing entropy, thus specifying an "arrow" of time and accounting for the Second Law of Thermodynamics. Albert argues that the Past-Hypothesis is a basic facet of physical law, irreducible to nothing else or anything more basic. This view, however, is by no means universally accepted. There are many competing theories to this problem of time, including a very interesting one by Julian Barbour, who argues in The End of Time for a fascinating possibility that there is an underlying time-less structure to the universe.

Other than stating the problem well on the book jacket (which you can view and read here on Amazon.com), I am afraid that Time and Chance really has no other merit, which would make it a book worth purchasing. I truly hope that if Dr. Albert is reading this he will understand just how difficult it is to comprehend his book, in which the difficulty lies not in the subject matter but in his writing. There were many very bright and capable people in his class who often times simply had no idea (myself included) what it was he was trying to convey. The book is in dire need of heavy revision, and I hope that this is undertaken in the future. As it stands, the book is simply too poorly written to be worth the read other than if you are one of the unfortunate students enrolled in his Direction of Time course, in which case your grade depends on you desperately trying to elucidate and understand this book.

Definitely not for the layperson.......2001-10-12

I was interested in this book because of its glowing review in Science magazine. While this may be an excellent book, I certainly couldn't tell after the first 45 pages. Major portions of the text consists of illegible footnotes. In spite of its folksy style, the author is obscure and impenetrable. It makes me wonder why, if he really has something to say, he can't explain it in a sensible fashion. While there might be people who get something from this book, a casual reader should expect some very tough going.

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