A Student S Guide To Entropy

This book helps readers understand the elusive concept of entropy to supplement undergraduate courses in physics, engineering, chemistry and mathematics.

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.

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

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.

Engineering Thermodynamics is a core course for students majoring in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. Before taking this course, students usually have learned Engineering Mechanics—Statics and Dynamics, and they are used to solving problems with calculus and differential equations. Unfortunately, these approaches do not apply for Thermodynamics. Instead, they have to rely on many data tables and graphs to solve problems. In addition, many concepts are hard to understand, such as entropy. Therefore, most students feel very frustrated while taking this course. The key concept in Engineering Thermodynamics is state-properties: If one knows two properties, the state can be determined, as well as the other four properties. Unlike most textbooks, the first two chapters of this book introduce thermodynamic properties and laws with the ideal gas model, where equations can be engaged. In this way, students can employ their familiar approaches, and thus can understand them much better. In order to help students understand entropy in depth, interpretation with statistical physics is introduced. Chapters 3 and 4 discuss control-mass and control-volume processes with general fluids, where the data tables are used to solve problems. Chapter 5 covers a few advanced topics, which can also help students understand the concepts in thermodynamics from a broader perspective.

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.

Rotational motion is of fundamental importance in physics and engineering, and an essential topic for undergraduates to master. This accessible yet rigorous Student's Guide focuses on the underlying principles of rotational dynamics, providing the reader with an intuitive understanding of the physical concepts, and a firm grasp of the mathematics. Key concepts covered include torque, moment of inertia, angular momentum, work and energy, and the combination of translational and rotational motion. Each chapter presents one important aspect of the topic, with derivations and analysis of the fundamental equations supported by step-by-step examples and exercises demonstrating important applications. Much of the book is focused on scenarios in which point masses and rigid bodies rotate around fixed axes, while more advanced examples of rotational motion, including gyroscopic motion, are introduced in a final chapter.

A compact yet informative exploration of Special Relativity and its core ideas, also providing a preparatory route into General Relativity.