C. J. Adkins – författare

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.

This textbook is intended for introductory courses in physics, engineering and chemistry at universities, polytechnics and technical colleges. It provides either an elementary treatment of thermal physics, complete in itself, for those who need to carry the subject no further, or a sound foundation for further study in more specialised courses. The author gives a clear and concise account of those basic concepts that provide the foundations for an understanding of the thermal properties of matter. The area covered corresponds very roughly to the traditional topics of heat, kinetic theory, and those properties of matter for which there are elementary explanations in terms of interatomic forces. The book is not concerned with experimental detail but with ideas and concepts, and their quantitative application through simple models. The author provides many problems for which the answers are included. The book should also be useful in teacher training and as a reference book in the libraries of schools where pupils are being prepared for tertiary courses.