Thermodynamics and the Kinetic Theory of Gases: Volume 3 of Pauli Lectures on Physics (Dover Books on Physics)

Book Details

• Author: Wolfgang Pauli

• Publisher: Dover

• Language: English

• Edition: Dover Edition

• ISBN: 9780486414614

• Pages: 160

• Cover: Paperback

• Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.5 x 0.4 inches

About the Book

"Phenomenological Thermodynamics" by Wolfgang Pauli is the third volume in a remarkable six-volume series based on a series of lectures delivered by Pauli at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich in the 1950s. These lectures, which cover both classical and modern physics, were transcribed and edited by Pauli's students and collaborators, preserving his masterful teaching style and profound insights into the subject.

In this volume, Pauli offers a thorough course on phenomenological thermodynamics, emphasizing its historical development and logical structure. Topics covered include the basic concepts of thermodynamics, the First and Second Laws, equilibrium conditions, Nernst's heat theorem, and the kinetic theory of gases.

Originally published in 1973, this text continues to be a vital resource for physicists and students alike due to Pauli's clear and impactful presentation. As Victor F. Weisskopf remarks in the Foreword, Pauli’s lectures "show how physical ideas can be presented clearly and in good mathematical form, without being hidden in formalistic expertise." This book provides an exceptional introduction to thermodynamics, making it an invaluable addition to any student or professional's library. Whether read alone or as part of the full series, it offers a deep understanding of thermodynamics that is both accessible and rigorous.