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An Introduction to the Theory of Stellar Structure and Evolution
Using fundamental physics, the theory of stellar structure and evolution is able to predict how stars are born, how their complex internal structure changes, what nuclear fuel they burn, and their ultimate fate. This undergraduate textbook provides a clear, methodical introduction to the theory of stellar structure and evolution. Starting from general principles and axioms, step-by-step coverage leads students to a global, comprehensive understanding of the subject. Throughout, the book uniquely places emphasis on the basic physical principles governing stellar structure and evolution. All processes are explained in clear and simple terms with all the necessary mathematics included. Exercises and their full solutions allow students to test their understanding. This book requires only a basic background in physics and mathematics and assumes no prior knowledge of astronomy. It provides a stimulating introduction for undergraduates in astronomy, physics, planetary science and applied mathematics taking a course on the physics of stars.
276 pages, Paperback
First published July 24, 2000
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
September 4, 2022
My interest in Astrophysics has two types of book, the Introductory (like this) and the graduate, where the Maths is a right struggle.
Given that I last studied calculus 45 years ago this tome is accessible. One can get a lot from such a book, the formulae are built up, variables and constants, there is some mathematical manipulation (follow as you can), but the important bit is the result, the implications, the comparison to observations.
Much about the H-R diagram, the more I see it the more I like it.
Adiabatic (not comparable)
(physics, thermodynamics, of a process) That occurs without gain or loss of heat (and thus with no change in entropy, in the quasistatic approximation).
Antonym: diabatic
(physics, quantum mechanics, of a process) That involves the slow change of the Hamiltonian of a system from its initial value to a final value.
Degenerate Matter
- is a highly dense state of fermionic matter in which the Pauli exclusion principle exerts significant pressure in addition to, or in lieu of, thermal pressure. The description applies to matter composed of electrons, protons, neutrons or other fermions. The term is mainly used in astrophysics to refer to dense stellar objects where gravitational pressure is so extreme that quantum mechanical effects are significant. This type of matter is naturally found in stars in their final evolutionary states, such as white dwarfs and neutron stars, where thermal pressure alone is not enough to avoid gravitational collapse.
A really really good book.
Given that I last studied calculus 45 years ago this tome is accessible. One can get a lot from such a book, the formulae are built up, variables and constants, there is some mathematical manipulation (follow as you can), but the important bit is the result, the implications, the comparison to observations.
Much about the H-R diagram, the more I see it the more I like it.
Adiabatic (not comparable)
(physics, thermodynamics, of a process) That occurs without gain or loss of heat (and thus with no change in entropy, in the quasistatic approximation).
Antonym: diabatic
(physics, quantum mechanics, of a process) That involves the slow change of the Hamiltonian of a system from its initial value to a final value.
Degenerate Matter
- is a highly dense state of fermionic matter in which the Pauli exclusion principle exerts significant pressure in addition to, or in lieu of, thermal pressure. The description applies to matter composed of electrons, protons, neutrons or other fermions. The term is mainly used in astrophysics to refer to dense stellar objects where gravitational pressure is so extreme that quantum mechanical effects are significant. This type of matter is naturally found in stars in their final evolutionary states, such as white dwarfs and neutron stars, where thermal pressure alone is not enough to avoid gravitational collapse.
A really really good book.
May 17, 2018
pp212, the last sentence of the final page of the main text.
"And, as we recall that the source of these elements has been nuclear burning, we come to the awesome conclusion that most atoms in our bodies, the atoms in the air that we breathe, and, in short, the elements making up every object around us, have belonged to a star at some time in the past and, in all probability, have witnessed a gigantic stellar explosion."
"And, as we recall that the source of these elements has been nuclear burning, we come to the awesome conclusion that most atoms in our bodies, the atoms in the air that we breathe, and, in short, the elements making up every object around us, have belonged to a star at some time in the past and, in all probability, have witnessed a gigantic stellar explosion."
May 29, 2015
An Introduction to the Theory of Stellar Structure and Evolution is a wonderful book by Dina Prialnik. It is intended for students of physics, astrophysics, and mathematics. I believe that for this book to be fully appreciated one should already have a basic knowledge of Newtonian Physics, statistical mechanics, and differential equations. The material is presented in a very clear manner. All the problems are worked out completely in an appendix, which makes the book great for independent study.
I always found my attention drifting when studying statistical mechanics, because I don't find cylinders holding gas to be all that interesting. Floating balls of gas that turn into stars, on the other hand, are very interesting. I have really enjoyed reading and working through this book. It is one of my favorite textbooks of all time, and I usually think it's silly to like textbooks.
I always found my attention drifting when studying statistical mechanics, because I don't find cylinders holding gas to be all that interesting. Floating balls of gas that turn into stars, on the other hand, are very interesting. I have really enjoyed reading and working through this book. It is one of my favorite textbooks of all time, and I usually think it's silly to like textbooks.
May 5, 2016
A good study book for understanding the basics of stellar inner structure and how they evolve. I noticed that understanding subjects like nuclear physics and thermo-physics help a lot in understanding the formulas, the heat distribution inside the star and of course the way the stars generate energy (nuclear power). The phenomena were described and explained carefully and in a way, that it gives you good basic knowledge of what is happening, without going into too complicated explanations or detail. The exercise questions and complete solutions for them are a good bonus and make this a very good book for studying purposes.
The text is very well and interestingly written and has occasionally some interesting history facts or some other notable information.
I would recommend this to anyone interested, who has some previous physics knowledge and/or physics background.
The text is very well and interestingly written and has occasionally some interesting history facts or some other notable information.
I would recommend this to anyone interested, who has some previous physics knowledge and/or physics background.
June 25, 2013
Wonderfull writing, a great book !
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews