Fermi-Thermodynamics

Book Details

• Author: Enrico Fermi

• Publisher: Dover

• Language: English

• ISBN: 9780486603612

• Pages: 160

• Cover: Paperback

• Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches

About the Book

"Thermodynamics" by Enrico Fermi is a modern classic in the field of science, based on a series of lectures delivered by Fermi at Columbia University. This book is celebrated for its clarity and simplicity, offering an elementary yet comprehensive introduction to the principles of thermodynamics. While the text assumes a basic understanding of thermometry and calorimetry, it does not require advanced mathematics beyond calculus, making it accessible to a wide audience.

The book covers fundamental thermodynamic principles, including the first and second laws of thermodynamics, with applications to adiabatic transformations, the Carnot cycle, and thermal engines. Fermi delves into the concept of entropy, explaining its properties and its role in thermodynamic cycles, as well as exploring the behavior of gases and chemical equilibria in gaseous systems.

Fermi also introduces the thermodynamics of dilute solutions, discussing key concepts such as osmotic pressure, chemical equilibria in solutions, and the distribution of solutes between phases. Other significant topics include the Nernst theorem, thermal ionization, and the thermionic effect.

This concise and well-organized work is ideal for students and enthusiasts looking to grasp the key ideas of thermodynamics without getting bogged down in complex mathematics. It serves as an excellent introduction to the subject and remains a valuable resource for anyone studying the fundamentals of thermodynamics.