100 Best Thermodynamics Books of All Time

We've ranked the best thermodynamics books using expert recommendations, sales data, and millions of reader ratings. At Shortform, we know books. Our book guides are the best in the world. Learn why.

The Feynman Lectures on Physics book cover1

The Feynman Lectures on Physics

Richard P. Feynman

5.0
The legendary introduction to physics from the subject's greatest teacher
"The whole thing was basically an experiment," Richard Feynman said late in his career, looking back on the origins of his lectures. The experiment turned out to be hugely successful, spawning a book that has remained a definitive introduction to physics for decades. Ranging from the most basic principles of Newtonian physics
Bill Gates portraitDavid Bainbridge portrait Recommended by Bill Gates and David Bainbridge.
Bill Gates portrait
Bill Gates

CEO/Microsoft

You don't have to take a course to learn physics. If you're hardcore, read the Feynman book and do the problems. [source]

David Bainbridge portrait
David Bainbridge

I think that he is one of the most intelligent people to live in the 20th century. Yet at the same time, surprisingly, he is an amazingly good teacher. This is quite an unusual combination. [source]

Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future book cover2

Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future

Ashlee Vance

4.9
Preview Summary
Elon Musk, the entrepreneur and innovator behind SpaceX, Tesla, and SolarCity, sold one of his internet companies, PayPal, for $1.5 billion. Ashlee Vance captures the full spectacle and arc of the genius's life and work, from his tumultuous upbringing in South Africa and flight to the United States to his dramatic technical innovations and entrepreneurial pursuits. Vance uses Musk's story to explo
Richard Branson portraitCasey Neistat portraitAndrea Loubier portrait Recommended by Richard Branson, Casey Neistat, Andrea Loubier, and 40 others.
Richard Branson portrait
Richard Branson

Founder/Virgin Group

Elon Musk is a man after my own heart: a risk taker undaunted by setbacks and ever driven to ensure a bright future for humanity. Ashlee Vance's stellar biography captures Musk's remarkable life story and irrepressible spirit. [source]

Casey Neistat portrait
Casey Neistat

Founder/368 Creative Space

I'm fascinated by Elon Musk, I own a Tesla, I read Ashlee Vance's biography on Elon Musk. I think he's a very interesting charachter. [source]

Andrea Loubier portrait
Andrea Loubier

Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future as this was still in the first couple of years of me starting my own company, Mailbird and it was inspiring and visionary. It helps you go from a small voice in a big corporate company, to thinking big and voicing your wild opinions and creating plan to work towards it. [source]

3

Understanding Thermodynamics

H. C. Van Ness

4.7
Clearly written treament elucidates fundamental concepts and demonstrates their plausibility and usefulness. Language is informal, examples are vivid and lively, and the perspectivie is fresh. Based on lectures delivered to engineering students, this work will also be valued by scientists, engineers, technicians, businessmen, anyone facing energy challenges of the future.
Thermodynamics book cover4

Thermodynamics

Enrico Fermi

4.5
Indisputably, this is a modern classic of science. Based on a course of lectures delivered by the author at Columbia University, the text is elementary in treatment and remarkable for its clarity and organization. Although it is assumed that the reader is familiar with the fundamental facts of thermometry and calorimetry, no advanced mathematics beyond calculus is assumed.
Partial contents: thermod
The Feynman Lectures on Physics Vol 1 book cover5

The Feynman Lectures on Physics Vol 1

Richard P. Feynman, Robert B. Leighton, Matthew Sands

4.4
Bill Gates portrait Recommended by Bill Gates.
Thermodynamics: An Engineering Approach with Student Resource DVD book cover6

Thermodynamics: An Engineering Approach with Student Resource DVD

Yunus Cengel, Michael Boles

4.4
NA
7

Fundamentals of Physics: Mechanics, Relativity, and Thermodynamics

R. Shankar

4.4
Professor R. Shankar, a well-known physicist and contagiously enthusiastic educator, was among the first to offer a course through the innovative Open Yale Course program. His popular online video lectures on introductory physics have been viewed over a million times. In this concise and self-contained book based on his online Yale course, Shankar explains the fundamental concepts of physics from
An Introduction to Statistical Thermodynamics book cover8

An Introduction to Statistical Thermodynamics

Terrell L. Hill

4.4
Part I deals with principles of quantum statistical mechanics. Part II examines systems composed of independent molecules or other independent subsystems. Part III considers systems of interacting molecules, and Part IV covers quantum statistics and includes sections on Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein statistics, photon gas, and free-volume theories of quantum liquids.
THERMODYNAMICS: AN ENGINEERING APPROACH book cover9

THERMODYNAMICS: AN ENGINEERING APPROACH

Michael Boles and Yunus Cengel

4.4
10

Treatise on Thermodynamics

Max Planck

4.3
Written by the founder of quantum theory, a Nobel Prize winner, this classic volume is still recognized as among the best introductions to thermodynamics. It is a model of conciseness and logic, ideally suited to the needs of both students and research workers in physics and chemistry.
Based on Planck's original papers, the book offers a uniform point of view for the entire field. Rejecting the ear
Scientific American September 2026 book cover11

Scientific American September 2026

Scientific American

4.3

Scientific American covers the most important and exciting research, ideas and knowledge in science, health, technology, the environment and society. It is committed to sharing trustworthy knowledge and enhancing our understanding of the world .

The Laws of Thermodynamics: A Very Short Introduction book cover12

The Laws of Thermodynamics: A Very Short Introduction

Peter Atkins

4.3
The laws of thermodynamics drive everything that happens in the universe. From the sudden expansion of a cloud of gas to the cooling of hot metal--everything is moved or restrained by four simple laws. Written by Peter Atkins, one of the world's leading authorities on thermodynamics, this powerful and compact introduction explains what these four laws are and how they work, using accessible langua
Thermodynamics and an Introduction to Thermostatistics book cover13

Thermodynamics and an Introduction to Thermostatistics

Herbert B. Callen

4.3
The only text to cover both thermodynamic and statistical mechanics--allowing students to fully master thermodynamics at the macroscopic level. Presents essential ideas on critical phenomena developed over the last decade in simple, qualitative terms. This new edition maintains the simple structure of the first and puts new emphasis on pedagogical considerations. Thermostatistics is incorporated i
14

Engineering Thermodynamics: Fundamentals and Applications

Francis F. Huang

4.3
Energy: A Beginner's Guide book cover15

Energy: A Beginner's Guide

Vaclav Smil

4.2
With one famous equation, E=mc2, Einstein proved all matter can be described as energy. It is everywhere and it is everything. In this newly updated and engaging introduction, renowned scientist Vaclav Smil explores energy in all its facets – from the inner workings of the human body to what we eat, the car we drive and the race for more efficient and eco-friendly fuels.

Energy: A Beginner's Guide
Bill Gates portraitMark Zuckerberg portrait Recommended by Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg.
Bill Gates portrait
Bill Gates

CEO/Microsoft

There is no author whose books I look forward to more than Vaclav Smil. [source]

Mark Zuckerberg portrait
Mark Zuckerberg

Founder/Facebook

This book is about physical rather than social sciences. It explores important topics around how energy works, how our production and use might evolve, and how this affects climate change. [source]

16

Applied Thermodynamics For Engineering Technologists: Solutions Manual

T.D. Eastop, A. Mcconkey

4.2
This is the Solutions Manual to Applied Thermodynamics for Engineering Technologists a text which provides a complete introduction to the principles of thermodynamics for degree level students.
17

Heat Transfer with Applications

Kirk D. Hagen

4.2
Offers a direct approach to heat transfer without lengthy, complex mathematical excursions. The book presents topically-arranged applications problems, with detailed examples at the end of each chapter, as well as computer applications using spreadsheets or other software.
18

Fundamentals of the Finite Element Method for Heat and Fluid Flow

Roland W. Lewis, Perumal Nithiarasu, Kankanhalli N. Seetharamu

4.2
Heat transfer is the area of engineering science which describes the energy transport between material bodies due to a difference in temperature. The three different modes of heat transport are conduction, convection and radiation. In most problems, these three modes exist simultaneously. However, the significance of these modes depends on the problems studied and often, insignificant modes are ne
An Introduction to Thermal Physics book cover19

An Introduction to Thermal Physics

Daniel V. Schroeder

4.2
This text looks at thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. Part I introduces concepts of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics from a unified view. Parts II and III explore further applications of classical thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. Throughout, the emphasis is on real-world applications.
20

Entropy Generation Minimization: The Method of Thermodynamic Optimization of Finite-Size Systems and Finite-Time Processes

Adrian Bejan

4.2
This book presents the diverse and rapidly expanding field of Entropy Generation Minimization (EGM), the method of thermodynamic optimization of real devices. The underlying principles of the EGM method - also referred to as "thermodynamic optimization," "thermodynamic design," and "finite time thermodynamics" - are thoroughly discussed, and the method's applications to real devices are clearly il
The Mathematical Theory of Communication book cover21

The Mathematical Theory of Communication

Claude E. Shannon, Warren Weaver

4.2
Scientific knowledge grows at a phenomenal pace--but few books have had as lasting an impact or played as important a role in our modern world as The Mathematical Theory of Communication, published originally as a paper on communication theory in the Bell System Technical Journal more than fifty years ago. Republished in book form shortly thereafter, it has since gone through four hardcover and si
22

VDI-Warmeatlas

VDI e.V.

4.2
Geschrieben von Spezialisten aus Industrie und Wissenschaft, ermoglicht das Standardwerk die Auslegung technischer Apparate und Anlagen, z.B. in der Verfahrens- und der Energietechnik. Dafur werden Daten bereitgestellt, Berechnungsmethoden eingehend erlautert und Konstruktionen vorgestellt. Die 11. deutsche Auflage enthalt zahlreiche neue Beitrage, die Kapitel wurden komplett uberarbeitet und dem
23

Heat and Mass Transfer

Hans Dieter Baehr, Karl Stephan

4.2
This book provides a solid foundation in the principles of heat and mass transfer and shows how to solve problems by applying modern methods. The basic theory is developed systematically, exploring in detail the solution methods to all important problems. The revised second edition incorporates state-of-the-art findings on heat and mass transfer correlations. The book will be useful not only to up
24

Shape and Structure, from Engineering to Nature

Adrian Bejan

4.2
Seemingly universal geometric forms unite the flow systems of engineering and nature. In this groundbreaking book, Adrian Bejan considers the design and optimization of engineered systems and discovers a relationship to the generation of geometric form in natural systems. The idea that shape and structure spring from the struggle for better performance in both engineering and nature is the basis o
25

Data analysis & programming with R, MATLAB, SPSS & EXCEL: Quick Web Links to FREE 160+ Textbooks, 300+ Lecture notes & videos, 120+ Cheat sheets, 100+ ... examples, scripts, codes, commands & more!

Dr. Web Links

4.2
26

Thermodynamics And Chemistry

Howard DeVoe

4.2
For undergraduate and graduate-level Chemical Thermodynamics courses in Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Chemical Engineering. This accessible, straightforward treatment of classical thermodynamics focuses on the derivation of the fundamental laws of thermodynamics and other topics of interest to scientists and engineers. Although this book is designed for second courses in thermodynamics, there is no
Scientific American 20th January 2026 book cover27

Scientific American 20th January 2026

Scientific American

4.2

Scientific American covers the most important and exciting research, ideas and knowledge in science, health, technology, the environment and society. It is committed to sharing trustworthy knowledge and enhancing our understanding of the world .

28

Elements of Classical Thermodynamics: For Advanced Students of Physics

Pippard

4.2
The laws of thermodynamics are amongst the most assured and wide-ranging of all scientific laws. They do not pretend to explain any observation in molecular terms but, by showing the necessary relationships between different physical properties, they reduce otherwise disconnected results to compact order, and predict new effects. This classic title, first published in 1957, is a systematic exposit
Thermodynamics in Materials Science book cover29

Thermodynamics in Materials Science

Robert DeHoff

4.2

Thermodynamics in Materials Science, Second Edition is a clear presentation of how thermodynamic data is used to predict the behavior of a wide range of materials, a crucial component in the decision-making process for many materials science and engineering applications. This primary textbook and ongoing reference accentuates the integration of principles, strategies, and thermochemical data to ge

Scientific American April 2026 book cover30

Scientific American April 2026

Scientific American

4.2

Scientific American covers the most important and exciting research, ideas and knowledge in science, health, technology, the environment and society. It is committed to sharing trustworthy knowledge and enhancing our understanding of the world .

Principles of Thermodynamics: Learn How Energy, Entropy, and Equilibrium shape Every Physical System book cover31

Principles of Thermodynamics: Learn How Energy, Entropy, and Equilibrium shape Every Physical System

C Louis-Charles

4.2

Thermodynamics drives nearly every technology in modern engineering, yet most textbooks present it as a sequence of equations with little connection to real systems. This book takes a different approach. Each topic begins with physical intuition and a concrete engineering scenario, then builds toward rigorous mathematics, so readers develop the understanding needed to reason through new problems r

32

Plasma Physics: An Introduction to Laboratory, Space, and Fusion Plasmas

Alexander Piel

4.2
The enlarged new edition of this textbook provides a comprehensive introduction to the basic processes in plasmas and demonstrates that the same fundamental concepts describe cold gas-discharge plasmas, space plasmas, and hot fusion plasmas. Starting from particle drifts in magnetic fields, the principles of magnetic confinement fusion are explained and compared with laser fusion. Collective proce
Mechanical Engineering for Makers: A Hands-on Guide to Designing and Making Physical Things book cover33

Mechanical Engineering for Makers: A Hands-on Guide to Designing and Making Physical Things

Brian Bunnell and Samer Najia

4.2
Einstein's Fridge: How the Difference Between Hot and Cold Explains the Universe book cover34

Einstein's Fridge: How the Difference Between Hot and Cold Explains the Universe

Paul Sen

4.2

This entertaining, eye-opening account of how the laws of thermodynamics are essential to understanding the world today—from refrigeration and jet engines to calorie counting and global warming—is “a lesson in how to do popular science right” (Kirkus Reviews).Einstein’s Fridge tells the incredible epic story of the scientists who, over two centuries, harnessed the power of heat and ice and formula

35

Molecular Driving Forces: Statistical Thermodynamics in Chemistry, Physics, Biology, and Nanoscience

Ken A. Dill, Sarina Bromberg

4.2
Molecular Driving Forces is an introductory statistical thermodynamics text that describes the principles and forces that drive chemical and biological processes. It shows how the complex behaviors of molecules can result from a few simple physical processes, and a central theme is how simple models can give surprisingly accurate insights into the workings of the molecular world.



Written in a clear
Order Out of Chaos: Man's New Dialogue with Nature book cover36

Order Out of Chaos: Man's New Dialogue with Nature

Ilya Prigogine, Isabelle Stengers, Alvin Toffler

4.2

Belgian philosopher Isabelle Stengers and Ilya Prigogine, winner of the Nobel Prize in 1977 for his work on the thermodynamics of non-equilibrium systems, make their ideas accessible to a wide audience in this book, which has engendered massive debate in Europe and America. Stengers and Prigogine show how the two great themes of classic science, order and chaos, which coexisted uneasily for centur

37

Netsugaku Tōkei Rikigaku: Daigaku Enshū

Ryōgo Kubo

4.2
38

Introduction To Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics

J. M. Smith, H. C. Van Ness, et al.

4.2
Presents coverage of the subject of thermodynamics from a chemical engineering viewpoint. This text provides an exposition of the principles of thermodynamics and details their application to chemical processes. It is useful for teaching the subject of chemical engineering thermodynamics to undergraduate students.
39

Engineering Thermodynamics and 21st Century Energy Problems: A Textbook Companion for Student Engagement

Donna Riley

4.1
Energy is a basic human need; technologies for energy conversion and use are fundamental to human survival. As energy technology evolves to meet demands for development and ecological sustainability in the 21st century, engineers need to have up-to-date skills and knowledge to meet the creative challenges posed by current and future energy problems. Further, engineers need to cultivate a commitmen
40

Biomolecular Thermodynamics: From Theory to Application

Douglas Barrick

4.1
"an impressive text that addresses a glaring gap in the teaching of physical chemistry, being specifically focused on biologically-relevant systems along with a practical focus.... the ample problems and tutorials throughout are much appreciated."
-Tobin R. Sosnick, Professor and Chair of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago



"Presents both the concepts and equations associated
Concepts in Thermal Physics book cover41

Concepts in Thermal Physics

Stephen J. Blundell and Katherine M. Blundell

4.1
An understanding of thermal physics is crucial to much of modern physics, chemistry and engineering. This book provides a modern introduction to the main principles that are foundational to thermal physics, thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. The key concepts are carefully presented in a clear way, and new ideas are illustrated with copious worked examples as well as a description of the his
42

Statistical Thermodynamics

Erwin Schrodinger

4.1
Nobel laureate's brilliant attempt to develop a simple, unified standard method of dealing with all cases of statistical thermodynamics — classical, quantum, Bose-Einstein, Fermi-Dirac, and more.The work also includes discussions of Nernst theorem, Planck's oscillator, fluctuations, the n-particle problem, problem of radiation, and much more.
Thermodynamics in Plain English for Absolute Beginners: Heat, Energy, and the Hidden Rules that Shape the Physical World (Understanding Thermodynamics) book cover43

Thermodynamics in Plain English for Absolute Beginners: Heat, Energy, and the Hidden Rules that Shape the Physical World (Understanding Thermodynamics)

C Louis-Charles

4.1

Thermodynamics drives nearly every technology in modern engineering, yet most textbooks present it as a sequence of equations with little connection to real systems. This book takes a different approach. Each topic begins with physical intuition and a concrete engineering scenario, then builds toward rigorous mathematics, so readers develop the understanding needed to reason through new problems r

Life's Ratchet: How Molecular Machines Extract Order from Chaos book cover44

Life's Ratchet: How Molecular Machines Extract Order from Chaos

Peter M. Hoffmann

4.1
The cells in our bodies consist of molecules, made up of the same carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen atoms found in air and rocks. But molecules, such as water and sugar, are not alive. So how do our cells--assemblies of otherwise "dead" molecules--come to life, and together constitute a living being?
In "Life's Ratchet," physicist Peter M. Hoffmann locates the answer to this age-old question at the na
45

The Second Law

P. W. Atkins

4.1
Chris Young portrait Recommended by Chris Young.
46

Thermodynamic and Transport Properties of Fluids

G. F. C. Rogers, Y. R. Mayhew

4.1
The fifth edition has been issued to incorporate two new tables - Data of Refrigerant 134a and a table containing for selected substances, molar enthalpies and molar Gibbs functions of formation, Equilibirum constants of formation, as well as molar heat capacities and absolute entropies.
Fundamentals of Thermodynamics book cover47

Fundamentals of Thermodynamics

Claus Borgnakke

4.1

Discover the Basics of Thermodynamics with the Field’s Leading Textbook for over Thirty YearsThermodynamics is the branch of physics concerning the relationship between heat and temperature on the one hand, and energy, entropy, and the properties of matter on the other. Its engineering applications are innumerable, and include engine design, heat transfer, air conditioning and refrigeration, energ

48

The Finite Element Method for Three-Dimensional Thermomechanical Applications

Guido Dhondt

4.1
Though many 'finite element' books exist, this book provides a unique focus on developing the method for three-dimensional, industrial problems. This is significant as many methods which work well for small applications fail for large scale problems, which generally: are not so well posedintroduce stringent computer time conditionsrequire robust solution techniques.Starting from sound continuum me
49

Cosmogenesis: The Growth of Order in the Universe

David Layzer

4.1
Eminent Harvard astrophysicist David Layzer offers readers a unified theory of natural order and its origins, from the permanence, stability, and orderliness of sub-atomic particles to the evolution of the human mind. Cosmogenesis provides the first extended account of a controversial theory that connects quantum mechanics with the second law of thermodynamics, and presents novel resolutions of lo
Reflections on the Motive Power of Fire: And Other Papers on the Second Law of Thermodynamics book cover50

Reflections on the Motive Power of Fire: And Other Papers on the Second Law of Thermodynamics

Sadi Carnot

4.1
The title essay, along with other papers in this volume, laid the foundation of modern thermodynamics. Highly readable, "Reflections" contains no arguments that depend on calculus, examining the relation between heat and work in terms of heat in steam engines, air-engines, and an internal combustion machine. Translation of 1890 edition.
Scientific American July/August 2026 book cover51

Scientific American July/August 2026

Scientific American

4.1

Scientific American covers the most important and exciting research, ideas and knowledge in science, health, technology, the environment and society. It is committed to sharing trustworthy knowledge and enhancing our understanding of the world .

52

The Four Laws That Do Not Drive the Universe: Elements of Thermodynamics for the Curious and Intelligent

Arieh Ben-Naim

4.1
Non-Equilibrium Thermodynamics book cover53

Non-Equilibrium Thermodynamics

S. R. De Groot and P. Mazur

4.1
Classic monograph treats the irreversible processes and phenomena of thermodynamics: non-equilibrium thermodynamics. Covers statistical foundations and applications of the field with special chapters on fluctuation theory, theory of stochastic processes, kinetic theory of gases, derivation of the Onsager reciprocal relations, more. 4 black-and-white illustrations.
54

Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics

Walter Greiner

4.1
From the reviews: "This book excels by its variety of modern examples in solid state physics, magnetism, elementary particle physics [...] I can recommend it strongly as a valuable source, especially to those who are teaching basic statistical physics at our universities." Physicalia
Physics (Quick Study Academic) (Qucik Study Academic) book cover55

Physics (Quick Study Academic) (Qucik Study Academic)

Inc. BarCharts

4.1
56

Kinetic Theory of Nonequilibrium Ensembles, Irreversible Thermodynamics, and Generalized Hydrodynamics: Volume 1. Nonrelativistic Theories

Byung Chan Eu

4.1
This book presents the fundamentals of irreversible thermodynamics for nonlinear transport processes in gases and liquids, as well as for generalized hydrodynamics extending the classical hydrodynamics of Navier, Stokes, Fourier, and Fick. Together with its companion volume on relativistic theories, it provides a comprehensive picture of the kinetic theory formulated from the viewpoint of nonequil
57

Hot Molecules, Cold Electrons: From the Mathematics of Heat to the Development of the Trans-Atlantic Telegraph Cable

Paul J. Nahin

4.1
An entertaining mathematical exploration of the heat equation and its role in the triumphant development of the trans-Atlantic telegraph cable

Heat, like gravity, shapes nearly every aspect of our world and universe, from how milk dissolves in coffee to how molten planets cool. The heat equation, a cornerstone of modern physics, demystifies such processes, painting a mathematical picture of the way
58

Feynman's Rainbow: A Search for Beauty in Physics and in Life

Leonard Mlodinow

4.1
As a young physicist, Leonard Mlodinow looked for guidance from his mentor, the Nobel Prize-winning physicist Richard Feynman. Drawing on transcripts from their meetings during their time together at Cal Tech, Mlodinow shares Feynman's provocative thoughts and observations. At once a moving portrait of a friendship and an affecting account of Feynman's final, creative years, this book celebrates t
Physical Biology of the Cell book cover59

Physical Biology of the Cell

Rob Phillips, Jane Kondev, Julie Theriot

4.1
Physical Biologyof the Cell is a biophysics textbook that explores how the basic tools and insights of physics and mathematics can illuminate the study of molecular and cell biology. Drawing on key examples and seminal experiments from cell biology, the book demonstrates how quantitative models can help refine our understanding of existing biological data and also be used to make useful prediction
Essential Calculus-based Physics Study Guide Workbook: Waves, Fluids, Sound, Heat, and Light (Learn Physics with Calculus Step-by-Step Book 3) book cover60

Essential Calculus-based Physics Study Guide Workbook: Waves, Fluids, Sound, Heat, and Light (Learn Physics with Calculus Step-by-Step Book 3)

Chris McMullen

4.1
61

Fundamentals of Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics, Si Edition

Kevin D. Dahm and Donald P. Visco

4.1
A brand new book, FUNDAMENTALS OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING THERMODYNAMICS makes the abstract subject of chemical engineering thermodynamics more accessible to undergraduate students. The subject is presented through a problem-solving inductive (from specific to general) learning approach, written in a conversational and approachable manner. Suitable for either a one-semester course or two-semester seq
Thermodynamics For Dummies book cover62

Thermodynamics For Dummies

Michael Pauken

4.1
63

Elements of Statistical Thermodynamics

Leonard K. Nash

4.1

This concise, elementary treatment illustrates the ways in which an atomic-molecular perspective yields new insights into macroscopic thermodynamics. Starting with an analysis of some very simple microcanonical ensembles, it proceeds to the Boltzmann distribution law and a systematic exploration of the proper formulation, evaluation, and application of partition functions. 1974 edition.

64

Molecular Thermodynamics

Donald A. McQuarrie, John D. Simon

4.1
Evolved from McQuarrie and Simon's best-selling textbook, iPhysical
Chemistry: A Molecular Approach/i, this text follows a similar path by first
covering the principles of quantum mechanics before engaging those ideas in
the subsequent development of thermodynamics. Although many of the chapters
in iMolecular Thermodynamics/i are similar to chapters in the physical
chemistry text, new material has been
Fundamentals of Heat and Mass Transfer book cover65

Fundamentals of Heat and Mass Transfer

Frank P. Incropera, David P. DeWitt, Theodore L. Bergman, Adrienne S. Lavine

4.1
This bestselling book in the field provides a complete introduction to the physical origins of heat and mass transfer. Noted for its crystal clear presentation and easy-to-follow problem solving methodology, Incropera and Dewitt's systematic approach to the first law develops reader confidence in using this essential tool for thermal analysis. Readers will learn the meaning of the terminology and
Physical Chemistry book cover66

Physical Chemistry

Peter Atkins, Julio de Paula

4.1
With its modern emphasis on the molecular view of physical chemistry, its wealth of contemporary applications (in the new "Impact on" features), vivid full-color presentation, and dynamic new media tools, the thoroughly revised new edition is again the most modern, most effective full-length textbook available for the physical chemistry classroom.

NOW AVAILABLE IN SPLIT VOLUMES
For maximum flexibili
67

Why Information Grows: The Evolution of Order, from Atoms to Economies

Cesar Hidalgo

4.1
Why do some nations prosper while others do not? Economists usually turn to measures such as gross domestic product or per capita income to answer this question, but interdisciplinary theorist Cesar Hidalgo argues that we can learn more by measuring a country’s ability to make complex products.

In Why Information Grows, Hidalgo combines the seemingly disparate fields of economic development and phy
68

Principles of Planetary Climate

Raymond T. Pierrehumbert

4.1
This book introduces the reader to all the basic physical building blocks of climate needed to understand the present and past climate of Earth, the climates of Solar System planets, and the climates of extrasolar planets. These building blocks include thermodynamics, infrared radiative transfer, scattering, surface heat transfer and various processes governing the evolution of atmospheric composi
Fundamentals of Engineering Thermodynamics book cover69

Fundamentals of Engineering Thermodynamics

Michael J. Moran, Howard N. Shapiro

4.1
Now in a Sixth Edition, Fundamentals of Engineering Thermodynamics maintains its engaging, readable style while presenting a broader range of applications that motivate student understanding of core thermodynamics concepts. This leading text uses many relevant engineering-based situations to help students model and solve problems.
70

Feynman

Jim Ottaviani, Leland Myrick

4.1
Richard Feynman: physicist . . . Nobel winner . . . bestselling author . . . safe-cracker. In this substantial graphic novel biography, First Second presents the larger-than-life exploits of Nobel-winning quantum physicist, adventurer, musician, world-class raconteur, and one of the greatest minds of the twentieth century: Richard Feynman. Written by nonfiction comics mainstay Jim Ottaviani and br
71

Transport Processes and Unit Operations

Christie J. Geankoplis

4.1
Expanded and up-to-date revision, provides a modern, unified treatment of basic transport processes and a comprehensive treatment of unit operations. Continues to offer readers a unified introduction to this increasingly important and expanding field. DLC: Transport theory.
72

The Most Powerful Idea in the World: A Story of Steam, Industry, and Invention

William Rosen

4.1
Hardly a week passes without some high-profile court case that features intellectual property at its center. But how did the belief that one could own an idea come about? And how did that belief change the way humankind lives and works?

William Rosen, author of Justinian's Flea, seeks to answer these questions and more with The Most Powerful Idea in the World. A lively and passionate study of the
Bill Gates portrait Recommended by Bill Gates.
Atmospheric Science: An Introductory Survey book cover73

Atmospheric Science: An Introductory Survey

John M. Wallace

4.0

Wallace and Hobbs’ original edition of Atmospheric Science helped define the field nearly 30 years ago, and has served as the cornerstone for most university curriculums. Now students and professionals alike can use this updated classic to understand atmospheric phenomena in the context of the latest discoveries and technologies, and prepare themselves for more advanced study and real-life problem

74

The Rainbow And The Worm: The Physics Of Organisms

Mae-Wan Ho

4.0
This highly unusual book is a serious inquiry into Schrodinger's question, "What is life?", and at the same time a celebration of life itself. It takes the reader on a voyage of discovery through many areas of contemporary physics, from non-equilibrium thermodynamics and quantum optics to liquid crystals and fractals, all necessary for illuminating the problem of life. In the process, the reader i
75

The Cosmic Machine: The Science That Runs Our Universe and the Story Behind It

Scott Bembenek

4.0
Energy, Entropy, Atoms, and Quantum Mechanics form the very foundation of our universe. But how do they govern the world we live in? What was the difficult path to their discovery? Who were the key players that struggled to shape our current understanding?

The Cosmic Machine takes you from the earliest scientific inquiries in human history on an exciting journey in search of the answers to these q
76

A History of the American Locomotive: Its Development, 1830–1880

John H. White Jr.

4.0
Important and beautifully illustrated volume chronicles the explosive growth of the American locomotive from British imports to grand ten-wheelers of the 1870s. Over 240 vintage photographs, drawings, and diagrams tell the exciting tale. Introduction. Appendices. Index.
Fundamentals of Thermodynamics book cover77

Fundamentals of Thermodynamics

Richard E. Sonntag, Claus Borgnakke, Gordon J. Van Wylen

4.0
For the past three decades, Sonntag, Borgnakke, and Van Wylen's FUNDAMENTALS OF THERMODYNAMICS has been the leading textbook in the field. Now updated and enhanced with numerous worked examples, homework problems, and illustrations, and a rich selection of Web-based learning resources, the new Sixth Edition continues to present a comprehensive and rigorous treatment of classical thermodynamics, wh
78

Mysteries of Modern Physics: Time

Sean Carroll

4.0
Time rules our lives. From the rising and setting of the sun to the cycles of nature, the thought processes in our brains, and the biorhythms in our day, nothing so pervades our existence and yet is so difficult to explain. Time seems to be woven into the very fabric of the universe. But why? Consider these contrasting views of time: A movie of a person diving into a pool has an obvious arrow of t
79

Heat Transfer

Jack Holman

4.0
Emphases is placed on physical understanding while, at the same time, relying on experimental data in those situations that do not permit a simple analytical solution. This ninth edition covers both analytical and empirical approaches to the subject. The examples and templates provide students with resources for computer-numerical solutions.
80

Statistical Thermodynamics

Donald A. McQuarrie

4.0
81

Design with Constructal Theory

Adrian Bejan, Sylvie Lorente

4.0
Design course on the universal principle of configurations in nature and engineering-the constructal lawDesign with Constructal Theory offers a revolutionary new approach based on physics for understanding and predicting the designs that arise in nature and engineering, from the tree and the forest to the cooling of electronics, urban design, decontamination, and vascular smart materials. This boo
82

Boltzmanns Atom: The Great Debate That Launched a Revolution in Physics

David Lindley

4.0
In 1900 many eminent scientists did not believe atoms existed, yet within just a few years the atomic century launched into history with an astonishing string of breakthroughs in physics that began with Albert Einstein and continues to this day. Before this explosive growth into the modern age took place, an all-but-forgotten genius strove for forty years to win acceptance for the atomic theory of
83

Thermodynamics

J. P Holman

4.0
84

Heat: A Textbook For Advanced Level In S.I. Units

Michael Nelkon

4.0
85

Information, Physics, and Computation

Marc Mézard, Andrea Montanari

4.0
This book presents a unified approach to a rich and rapidly evolving research domain at the interface between statistical physics, theoretical computer science/discrete mathematics, and coding/information theory. It is accessible to graduate students and researchers without a specific training in any of these fields. The selected topics include spin glasses, error correcting codes, satisfiability,
86

Time's Arrow: The Origins of Thermodynamic Behavior

Michael C. Mackey, Physics

4.0

Exploration of Second Law of Thermodynamics details fundamental dynamic properties behind construction of statistical mechanics. Topics include maximal entropy principles; invertible and noninvertible systems; ergodicity and unique equilibria; and asymptotic periodicity and entropy evolution. Geared toward physicists and applied mathematicians; suitable for advanced undergraduate and graduate cour

87

A Farewell to Entropy: Statistical Thermodynamics Based on Information

Arieh Ben-Naim

4.0
The principal message of this book is that thermodynamics and statistical mechanics will benefit from replacing the unfortunate, misleading and mysterious term entropy with a more familiar, meaningful and appropriate term such as information, missing information or uncertainty. This replacement would facilitate the interpretation of the driving force of many processes in terms of informational cha
Introduction to Modern Statistical Mechanics book cover88

Introduction to Modern Statistical Mechanics

David Chandler

4.0
Scientific American June 2026 book cover89

Scientific American June 2026

Scientific American

4.0

Scientific American covers the most important and exciting research, ideas and knowledge in science, health, technology, the environment and society. It is committed to sharing trustworthy knowledge and enhancing our understanding of the world .

90

Introduction to Modern Thermodynamics

Dilip Kondepudi

4.0
This is the first modern approach to thermodynamics written specifically for a first undergraduate course. It covers the fundamental formalism with some attention given to its history; describes basic applications of the formalism and continues with a number of additional applications that instructors can use according to their particular degree program - these chapters cover thermal radiation, bi
91

Bridging Science and Spirit: The Genius of William A. Tiller's Physics and the Promise of Information Medicine

Nisha J. Manek MD

4.0
92

Entropy Demystified: The Second Law Reduced to Plain Common Sense: The Second Law Reduced to Plain Common Sense with Seven Simulated Games

Arieh Ben-Naim

4.0
In this unique book, the reader is invited to experience the joy of appreciating something which has eluded understanding for many years — entropy and the second law of thermodynamics. The book has a two-pronged message: first, that the second law is not infinitely incomprehensible as commonly stated in most textbooks on thermodynamics, but can, in fact, be comprehended through sheer common sense;
93

Restoring Climate Stability By Managing Ecological Disorder: A Non-Equilibrium Thermodynamic Approach To Climate Change

Daniel Arthur Young

4.0
There is nothing more fundamental to thermodynamic science than the fact that order emerges out of chaos when energy flows through a constrained environment. The order produced is quantitatively related to the energy flow and to the characteristics of the constraints on the environment. Complex systems, like the ecosystems in the earth's biosphere, are the result of extensive ordering of system co
94

Thermodynamic Optimization of Complex Energy Systems

Adrian Bejan, Eden Mamut

4.0
A comprehensive assessment of the methodologies of thermodynamic optimization, exergy analysis and thermoeconomics, and their application to the design of efficient and environmentally sound energy systems. The chapters are organized in a sequence that begins with pure thermodynamics and progresses towards the blending of thermodynamics with other disciplines, such as heat transfer and cost accoun
95

Introduction to Molecular Thermodynamics

Robert M. Hanson and Susan Green

4.0
"I wish I had learned thermodynamics this way " That's what the authors hear all the time from instructors using Introduction to Molecular Thermodynamics. Starting with just a few basic principles of probability and the distribution of energy, the book takes students (and faculty ) on an adventure into the inner workings of the molecular world like no other. Made to fit into a standard second-seme
96

Into the Cool: Energy Flow, Thermodynamics, and Life

Eric D. Schneider, Dorion Sagan

4.0
Scientists, theologians, and philosophers have all sought to answer the questions of why we are here and where we are going. Finding this natural basis of life has proved elusive, but in the eloquent and creative Into the Cool, Eric D. Schneider and Dorion Sagan look for answers in a surprising place: the second law of thermodynamics. This second law refers to energy's inevitable tendency to chang
Maxwell's Demon 2 Entropy, Classical and Quantum Information, Computing book cover97

Maxwell's Demon 2 Entropy, Classical and Quantum Information, Computing

Harvey Leff and Andrew F. Rex

4.0
Over 130 years ago, James Clerk Maxwell introduced his hypothetical "demon" as a challenge to the scope of the second law of thermodynamics. Fascination with the demon persisted throughout the development of statistical and quantum physics, information theory, and computer science, and links have been established between Maxwell's demon and each of these disciplines. The demon's seductive quality
98

Mechanical Engineering Reference Manual for the PE Exam

Michael R Lindeburg

4.0
As the most comprehensive reference and study guide available for engineers preparing for the breadth-and-depth mechanical PE examination, the twelfth edition of the Mechanical Engineering Reference Manual provides a concentrated review of the exam topics.

Thousands of important equations and methods are shown and explained throughout the Reference Manual, plus hundreds of examples with detailed so
99

Quantum Field Theory in Curved Spacetime and Black Hole Thermodynamics

Robert M. Wald

4.0
In this book, Robert Wald provides a coherent, pedagogical introduction to the formulation of quantum field theory in curved spacetime. He begins with a treatment of the ordinary one-dimensional quantum harmonic oscillator, progresses through the construction of quantum field theory in flat spacetime to possible constructions of quantum field theory in curved spacetime, and, ultimately, to an alge
100

Modern Thermodynamics: From Heat Engines to Dissipative Structures

Dilip Kondepudi and Ilya Prigogine

4.0
Modern Thermodynamics: From Heat Engines to Dissipative Structures, Second Edition presents a comprehensive introduction to 20th century thermodynamics that can be applied to both equilibrium and non-equilibrium systems, unifying what was traditionally divided into 'thermodynamics' and 'kinetics' into one theory of irreversible processes.

This comprehensive text, suitable for introductory as well a