Thermodynamics and an Introduction to Thermostatistics

by Herbert B. Callen

The only text to cover both thermodynamic and statistical mechanics--allowing students to fully master thermodynamics at the macroscopic level. Presents essential ideas on critical phenomena developed over the last decade in simple, qualitative terms. This new edition maintains the simple structure of the first and puts new emphasis on pedagogical considerations. Thermostatistics is incorporated into the text without eclipsing macroscopic thermodynamics, and is integrated into the conceptual framework of physical theory.

Genres: Physics, Science, Textbooks, Reference, Chemistry, Nonfiction, Mathematics

512 pages, Paperback

First published August 29, 1985

Reviews

[kvikna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A suprisingly beautiful and very special textbook. I have only read the thermodynamics part, and I will likely come back to it for my statistical mechanics class in a year or so. For now, I can safely say that this is a phenomenal book. It constructs a very solid and deep way of looking at its subject matter, not only by its very elegant mathematical foundation but by teaching you the intuition and tools needed to solve all of its brilliant problems in a way that simply makes sense, even if it does not initially look like it. This (and my wonderful teacher) made thermodynamics end up as my favorite physics topic so far, and I'm very glad to have read it.

[Goodfella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most influential book I have read on thermodynamic. I studied engineering and went straight to the applications of thermo. Thermodynamics is an elegant, nonatomistic study of many of the properties of matter, specifically those that have to do with temperature.

It's an elegant book with few, but well thought out excercises. Really, a joy to read, although it's not easy. Herbert Callen was a damn good physicist, too. He contributed to early nonequilibrium thermodynamics, so his exposition is relevant if you are interested in that field.

[Alexandre Bordas · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of the only good textbooks on the relationship between macro thermodynamical systems and their statistical mechanical counterpart. Proof-based textbooks are just a little difficult to keep up with though.

[avahardyam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Normally I do not read textbooks, but this is just too good. Intuitive as well as mathematical understanding to (deeper) thermodynamics, reading this was very satisfying.

[Nicole Yunger Halpern · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite thermodynamics textbook. Callen has a straightforward, direct, clear approach that clarifies the fundamentals and their implications.

[Raaaaque · Rating 5 out of 5]

Literalmente todo mi curso de termodinámica
Gracias por tanto, perdón por tan poco

[Irene · Rating 4 out of 5]

muy chula la termodinámica calleniana, una pena q no tenga ningún tipo de aplicación en la vida real

[Sean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Callen does a pretty good job of putting together a consistent theory of thermodynamics from first principles. My difficulty with thermodynamics is often that they tend to pull results out of nowhere, either based on problems I didn't do or assumed knowledge of some obscure combinations of partial derivatives and identities. Callen however does a pretty good job of motivating the development of the material with comprehensive reasoning. I will say this though, stay away from the 1st addition, it is absolutely terrible.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this book. Had I continued in science, I would have wanted this to be a big part of my field (as indeed it was in graduate school). Clear without being simplistic. A valuable reference for the working chemist and engineer.

[Pratik Aghor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as a master's student. This 'cured' my preconceived notions of thermodynamics and introduced the subject as an elegant way of looking at the macroscopic world. It made me fall in love with thermodynamics. One of the most beautiful textbooks I have come across.

[DJ]

Callen waxes philosophical on the most fundamental subset of physics. Chose this over the course text for an undergrad thermodynamics course and glad I did.

[Evan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully-written book. Not a reference, but a rare scientific text to learn from.

[Serpent]

Too hard, try again

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book to learn thermo from. Best I have found yet!

[Sasd]

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