This text provides a balanced, well-organized treatment of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, making thermal physics interesting and accessible to anyone who has completed a year of calculus-based introductory physics. Part I introduces essential concepts of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics from a unified view, applying concepts in a select number of illustrative examples. Parts II and III explore further applications of classical thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. Throughout, the emphasis is on real-world applications.

Table of Contents

I. FUNDAMENTALS. 1. Energy in Thermal Physics. 2. The Second Law. 3. Interactions and Implications. II. THERMODYNAMICS. 4. Engines and Refrigerators. 5. Free Energy and Chemical Thermodynamics. III. STATISTICAL MECHANICS. 6. Boltzmann Statistics. 7. Quantum Statistics. 8. Systems of Interacting Particles. Appendix A. Elements of Quantum Mechanics. Appendix B. Mathematical Results. Reference Data. Suggested Reading.