An Introduction to the Theory of Stellar Structure and Evolution [Paperback]

Dina Prialnik (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 052165937X | ISBN-13: 978-0521659376 | Publication Date: July 24, 2000

Using fundamental physics, the theory of stellar structure and evolution is able to predict how stars are born, how their complex internal structure changes, what nuclear fuel they burn, and their ultimate fate. This undergraduate textbook provides a clear, methodical introduction to the theory of stellar structure and evolution. Starting from general principles and axioms, step-by-step coverage leads students to a global, comprehensive understanding of the subject. Throughout, the book uniquely places emphasis on the basic physical principles governing stellar structure and evolution. All processes are explained in clear and simple terms with all the necessary mathematics included. Exercises and their full solutions allow students to test their understanding. This book requires only a basic background in physics and mathematics and assumes no prior knowledge of astronomy. It provides a stimulating introduction for undergraduates in astronomy, physics, planetary science and applied mathematics taking a course on the physics of stars.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"I do recommend this book for the serious student in geochemistry, cosmochemistry, and the planetary sciences, who wants to know a bit more about what makes our sun and other stars tick." Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta

Book Description

This lucid textbook provides undergraduate students with a clear and comprehensive introduction to the theory that predicts the birth, life and death of stars and their internal structure. It requires only basic introductory undergraduate physics and mathematics, and no prior knowledge of astronomy. Throughout this book, emphasis is placed on the basic physical principles. Processes are explained in the simplest terms but without compromising mathematical rigor, and exercises with solutions are included to help the reader. This textbook provides a stimulating introduction for undergraduates in astronomy, physics, planetary science and applied mathematics taking a course on the physics of stars.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 276 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (July 24, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 052165937X
• ISBN-13: 978-0521659376
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #862,946 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book for beginners, May 15, 2004

By 

C. Bradley - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: An Introduction to the Theory of Stellar Structure and Evolution (Paperback)

A truly excellent introductory book. It has worked problems at the back and actually has an index that allows you to find anything you need for reference. I actually used this book more than Padmanabhan's books for my graduate course, because Prialnik explains things very well.

This book should be the basis of any undergraduate stellar astrophysics course.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Nice book that cover a lot of topics, October 19, 2006

By 

Tomas Rodriguez (Spain) - See all my reviews

This review is from: An Introduction to the Theory of Stellar Structure and Evolution (Paperback)

This is a nice book that covers a lot of astrophysical concepts. The level of detail is fair for a first introduction into the subject and the style is easy to follow. However, the different topics are introduced one after the other without a clear motivation. This makes the book a bit confusing.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Exactly what the title of the book suggests, June 23, 2009

By 

spumn - See all my reviews

This review is from: An Introduction to the Theory of Stellar Structure and Evolution (Paperback)

The distinguishing characteristic of this text is its clarity of language. Prialnik's chief gift is her ability to convey complex ideas clearly without neglecting their mathematical basis. There is a very fine line between a full-blown graduate text (intended for future PhD's) and an introductory undergraduate text (intended for non-science majors), and this book walks it superbly. Most other books lie squarely in one camp or the other, which can be frustrating for those seeking an intermediate treatment. The ideal audience for this book is the junior or senior undergraduate who is familiar with calculus and differential equations, thermodynamics, and statistical mechanics, and has a strong interest in astronomy. The more complex physics and mathematics, including the details of nuclear chemistry and particle physics and the numerical solution of non-linear differential equations, is treated on a take-it-or-leave-it basis, without the kind of rigorous derivations that would bog down a middle-of-the-road text. A student properly equipped will come out of the experience with a fine introduction to the theory of stellar structure and evolution, exactly what the title promises.

The text is not perfect, however. Because a large portion of it is devoted to the differential equations governing stellar structure and evolution (not surprisingly), students familiar with numerical methods may be frustrated by Prialnik's sometimes qualitative treatment. Towards the end of the book, the more intricate aspects of stellar structure and evolution (which arise in the numerical solutions to these equations) are presented in a purely descriptive fashion. Like trying to describe a graph rather than simply reproducing it on the page, Prialnik's descriptive approach is meandering at best, and confusing at worst. A much more compelling treatment would have been some kind of interactive numerical solution, either on a CD or the publisher's website. (As an aside, I very much appreciated Prialnik's attempts to relate theory to observation throughout, especially the inclusion of numerically calculated HR diagrams accompanying real ones.) One other feature lacking in this text is a brief appendix giving the meaning of all symbols used in the book, and where appropriate, numerical values. Considering Prialnik has generously provided fully explained solutions to each problem, this is a somewhat surprising omission.