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Kinetic theory and entropy
Iri/rured Ph,vs. Voi. 23, No. 5, p. 295, 1983 Pergamon Press Ltd. Printed in Great Britain
BOOK REVIEW Kinetic Them-v and Entropy, by C. H.
COLLIE.
Longmans, Harlow, Essex, U.K. (1982) g10.95.
The author makes it clear that this book is intended for “beginners” who have studied mathematics and physics to good school A-levels and who intend to go on to degree level in their studies. It seems admirably suited to that objective. Being written from the paint of view of an experimentalist, it does not demand advanced mathematical techniques. Throughout, the author concentrates on giving an understanding of the physics of the processes being described, often relying on intuition rather than rigour. In this sense the book is a good “primer” for the kinetic theory and leads naturally into the concepts of thermodynamics and particularly entropy. It begins with an historical introduction to the development of the kinetic theory. Followed by an explanation of the development of the gas laws, the processes of diffusion, viscosity and heat conduction. The concept of entropy is dealt with both by Caratheodory’s treatment and Boltzmann’s molecular treatment. It gives a very reasonable account, though somewhat briefly, of the main features to be found in classical thermodynamics. At each point the author includes some account of the historical development of the ideas behind that part of the subject-a very useful feature in assisting in d~veioping an understanding of the present state of physics. The problems given at the end of each chapter are interesting. They fali into two categories, the first to illustrate the application of reasoning used in the text to more modern situations and the second to make the student carry out relatively straightforward calculations which might otherwise appear in the text. The student would be well advised to work through these problems at each stage of his reading. There are very useful suggestions for further reading after each chapter as well. On the whole an extremely useful book for students in their first or second university years which should put the thorough reader on the right lines for further study. D. H. PARKINSON
295
BOOK REVIEW Kinetic Them-v and Entropy, by C. H.
COLLIE.
Longmans, Harlow, Essex, U.K. (1982) g10.95.
The author makes it clear that this book is intended for “beginners” who have studied mathematics and physics to good school A-levels and who intend to go on to degree level in their studies. It seems admirably suited to that objective. Being written from the paint of view of an experimentalist, it does not demand advanced mathematical techniques. Throughout, the author concentrates on giving an understanding of the physics of the processes being described, often relying on intuition rather than rigour. In this sense the book is a good “primer” for the kinetic theory and leads naturally into the concepts of thermodynamics and particularly entropy. It begins with an historical introduction to the development of the kinetic theory. Followed by an explanation of the development of the gas laws, the processes of diffusion, viscosity and heat conduction. The concept of entropy is dealt with both by Caratheodory’s treatment and Boltzmann’s molecular treatment. It gives a very reasonable account, though somewhat briefly, of the main features to be found in classical thermodynamics. At each point the author includes some account of the historical development of the ideas behind that part of the subject-a very useful feature in assisting in d~veioping an understanding of the present state of physics. The problems given at the end of each chapter are interesting. They fali into two categories, the first to illustrate the application of reasoning used in the text to more modern situations and the second to make the student carry out relatively straightforward calculations which might otherwise appear in the text. The student would be well advised to work through these problems at each stage of his reading. There are very useful suggestions for further reading after each chapter as well. On the whole an extremely useful book for students in their first or second university years which should put the thorough reader on the right lines for further study. D. H. PARKINSON
295