A Student's Guide to Entropy

A Student's Guide to Entropy
Author: Don S. Lemons
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 195
Release: 2013-08-29
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1107470048

Striving to explore the subject in as simple a manner as possible, this book helps readers understand the elusive concept of entropy. Innovative aspects of the book include the construction of statistical entropy from desired properties, the derivation of the entropy of classical systems from purely classical assumptions, and a statistical thermodynamics approach to the ideal Fermi and ideal Bose gases. Derivations are worked through step-by-step and important applications are highlighted in over 20 worked examples. Around 50 end-of-chapter exercises test readers' understanding. The book also features a glossary giving definitions for all essential terms, a time line showing important developments, and list of books for further study. It is an ideal supplement to undergraduate courses in physics, engineering, chemistry and mathematics.

A Student's Guide to Coding and Information Theory

A Student's Guide to Coding and Information Theory
Author: Stefan M. Moser
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 207
Release: 2012-01-26
Genre: Computers
ISBN: 1107015839

This is a concise, easy-to-read guide, introducing beginners to coding theory and information theory.

A Student's Guide to Dimensional Analysis

A Student's Guide to Dimensional Analysis
Author: Don S. Lemons
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 115
Release: 2017-03-16
Genre: Mathematics
ISBN: 1107161150

This introduction to dimensional analysis covers the methods, history and formalisation of the field. Utilising topics including mechanics, hydro- and electrodynamics, and thermal and quantum physics, it illustrates the possibilities and limitations of dimensional analysis, making it perfect for students on introductory courses in physics, engineering and mathematics.

Discover Entropy And The Second Law Of Thermodynamics: A Playful Way Of Discovering A Law Of Nature

Discover Entropy And The Second Law Of Thermodynamics: A Playful Way Of Discovering A Law Of Nature
Author: Arieh Ben-naim
Publisher: World Scientific
Total Pages: 287
Release: 2010-08-03
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9814465267

This is a sequel to the author's book entitled “Entropy Demystified” (Published by World Scientific, 2007). The aim is essentially the same as that of the previous book by the author: to present Entropy and the Second Law as simple, meaningful and comprehensible concepts. In addition, this book presents a series of “experiments” which are designed to help the reader discover entropy and the Second Law. While doing the experiments, the reader will encounter three most fundamental probability distributions featuring in Physics: the Uniform, the Boltzmann and the Maxwell-Boltzmann distributions. In addition, the concepts of entropy and the Second Law will emerge naturally from these experiments without a tinge of mystery. These concepts are explained with the help of a few familiar ideas of probability and information theory.The main “value” of the book is to introduce entropy and the Second Law in simple language which renders it accessible to any reader who can read and is curious about the basic laws of nature. The book is addressed to anyone interested in science and in understanding natural phenomenon. It will afford the reader the opportunity to discover one of the most fundamental laws of physics — a law that has resisted complete understanding for over a century. The book is also designed to be enjoyable.There is no other book of its kind (except “Entropy Demystified” by the same author) that offers the reader a unique opportunity to discover one of the most profound laws — sometimes viewed as a mysterious — while comfortably playing with familiar games. There are no pre-requisites expected from the readers; all that the reader is expected to do is to follow the experiments or imagine doing the experiments and reach the inevitable conclusions.

A Student's Guide to Infinite Series and Sequences

A Student's Guide to Infinite Series and Sequences
Author: Bernhard W. Bach, Jr.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 201
Release: 2018-05-17
Genre: Mathematics
ISBN: 1107059828

An informal and practically focused introduction for undergraduate students exploring infinite series and sequences in engineering and the physical sciences. With a focus on practical applications in real world situations, it helps students to conceptualize the theory with real-world examples and to build their skill set.

A Student's Guide to Lagrangians and Hamiltonians

A Student's Guide to Lagrangians and Hamiltonians
Author: Patrick Hamill
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 185
Release: 2014
Genre: Mathematics
ISBN: 1107042887

A concise treatment of variational techniques, focussing on Lagrangian and Hamiltonian systems, ideal for physics, engineering and mathematics students.

Statistical Mechanics

Statistical Mechanics
Author: James Sethna
Publisher: OUP Oxford
Total Pages: 374
Release: 2006-04-07
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0191566217

In each generation, scientists must redefine their fields: abstracting, simplifying and distilling the previous standard topics to make room for new advances and methods. Sethna's book takes this step for statistical mechanics - a field rooted in physics and chemistry whose ideas and methods are now central to information theory, complexity, and modern biology. Aimed at advanced undergraduates and early graduate students in all of these fields, Sethna limits his main presentation to the topics that future mathematicians and biologists, as well as physicists and chemists, will find fascinating and central to their work. The amazing breadth of the field is reflected in the author's large supply of carefully crafted exercises, each an introduction to a whole field of study: everything from chaos through information theory to life at the end of the universe.

A Student's Guide to Waves

A Student's Guide to Waves
Author: Daniel Fleisch
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 231
Release: 2015-04-09
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1107054869

Written to complement course textbooks, this book focuses on the topics that undergraduates in physics and engineering find most difficult.

A Student's Guide to Data and Error Analysis

A Student's Guide to Data and Error Analysis
Author: Herman J. C. Berendsen
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 239
Release: 2011-04-07
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 1139497855

All students taking laboratory courses within the physical sciences and engineering will benefit from this book, whilst researchers will find it an invaluable reference. This concise, practical guide brings the reader up-to-speed on the proper handling and presentation of scientific data and its inaccuracies. It covers all the vital topics with practical guidelines, computer programs (in Python), and recipes for handling experimental errors and reporting experimental data. In addition to the essentials, it also provides further background material for advanced readers who want to understand how the methods work. Plenty of examples, exercises and solutions are provided to aid and test understanding, whilst useful data, tables and formulas are compiled in a handy section for easy reference.

A Student's Guide to the Mathematics of Astronomy

A Student's Guide to the Mathematics of Astronomy
Author: Daniel Fleisch
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 209
Release: 2013-08-29
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1107034949

Plain-language explanations and a rich set of supporting material help students understand the mathematical concepts and techniques of astronomy.