Thermodynamics: Fundamental Principles and Applications [Paperback]

This book offers a comprehensive overview of thermodynamics. It is divided into four parts, the first of which equips readers with a deeper understanding of the fundamental principles of thermodynamics of equilibrium states and of their evolution. The second part applies these principles to a series of generalized situations, presenting applications that are of interest both in their own right and in terms of demonstrating how thermodynamics, as a theory of principle, relates to different fields. In turn, the third part focuses on non-equilibrium configurations and the dynamics of natural processes. It discusses both discontinuous and continuous systems, highlighting the interference among non-equilibrium processes, and the nature of stationary states and of fluctuations in isolated systems. Lastly, part four introduces the relation between physics and information theory, which constitutes a new frontier in fundamental research.

The book includes step-by-step exercises, with solutions, to help readers to gain a fuller understanding of the subjects, and also features a series of appendices providing useful mathematical formulae. Reflecting the content of modern university courses on thermodynamics, it is a valuable resource for students and young scientists in the fields of physics, chemistry, and engineering.

I. FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES.- 1. The macroscopic observer.- 2. The concept of empirical temperature.- 3. The first Principle of Thermodynamics.- 4. The second Principle of Thermodynamics.- 5. Efficiency of thermal engines.- 6. The Fundamental Relation and the thermodynamic potentials.- 7. Maxwell Relations.- II. APPLICATIONS.- 8. One component Systems.- 9. van der Waals equation.- 10.Phase transitions.- 11.Surface Systems.- 12.Electrostatic Fields.- 13.Magnetic Fields.- 4.Thermodynamics of radiation.- 15.Osmotic phenomena and complex fluids.- 16.Lol2