Mere Thermodynamics

Don Lemons's Mere Thermodynamics is a gem of physics pedagogy. Elegantly written and both physically and mathematically insightful, this book should be required reading for all courses on thermodynamics. -- Robert C. Hilborn, University of Texas at Dallas With thoughtful craftsmanship, Lemons unfolds the essential elements of thermodynamics in a manner that deepens our appreciation and understanding, not only for the physics, but also for the subject's history and philosophical inferences. -- Dwight E. Neuenschwander, Southern Nazarene University

The book features end-of-chapter practice problems, an appendix of worked problems, a glossary of terms, and an annotated bibliography.Presenting classical thermodynamics as a concise and discrete whole, Mere Thermodynamics is a perfect tool for teaching a notoriously difficult subject. Accomplished teacher Don S. Lemons introduces the physical theory's concepts and methods and uses them to solve problems from a broad range of physics. He illustrates, at a gentle pace, not only the fundamentals of the subject but also advanced topics such as the relationship between the second law of thermodynamics and entropy. He highlights the intellectual structure and history of the discipline and explores the logical consequences of each of the famous three laws. Lemons explains and develops the first two laws and their corollaries, the methods and applications of thermodynamics, and the third law, as well as non-fluid variables, equilibrium and stability, and two-phase systems. The book features end-of-chapter practice problems, an appendix of worked problems, a glossary of terms, and an annotated bibliography.