Thermodynamics and the Kinetic Theory of Gases: Volume 3 of Pauli Lectures on Physics (Dover Books on Physics) [Paperback]

Wolfgang Pauli (Author), Physics (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0486414612 | ISBN-13: 978-0486414614 | Publication Date: October 18, 2010 | Edition: Dover ed

Examines basic concepts and the First Law, Second Law, equilibria, Nernst's Heat Theorem, and the kinetic theory of gases. Includes an index and a wealth of figures. An important resource for students and physicists, it can be read independently by those who wish to focus on individual topics. 1973 edition.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: German

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications; Dover ed edition (October 18, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486414612
• ISBN-13: 978-0486414614
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.3 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #394,507 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #47 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Science > Physics

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14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lectures by a great master., December 20, 2001

By 

henrique fleming - See all my reviews

This review is from: Thermodynamics and the Kinetic Theory of Gases: Volume 3 of Pauli Lectures on Physics (Dover Books on Physics) (Paperback)

Max Born, who knew both, rated Pauli as good as Einstein. I don't agree, but, OK, it's a nice compliment! Anyway, Pauli was really great, and a great writer, in this case far surpassing Einstein. These are his lectures (mostly) on Thermodynamics at the ETH, Zurich, which, by the way, was Einstein's alma mater.
Pauli lectured on all of theoretical phyisics there, for several years. He was revered, and the students carefully took notes of whatever he said and write. These notes were then carefully edited by senior colleagues, like Charles Enz. The result was a slim, compact, wonderful text of Carnot-cycle thermodynamics which has even some originality: the master deemed it necessary to reformulate the treatment of chemical equilibrium (using van't Hoof boxes)to reach his standards of excellence.
This is not a text-book on thermodynamics for beginners: it is a
exquisite booklet to polish your understanding and reveal the great elegance and depth of the thermodynamical formalism and, most importantly, ideas.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not for the faint hearted, September 23, 2008

By 

Raghuram Krishnaswamy - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Thermodynamics and the Kinetic Theory of Gases: Volume 3 of Pauli Lectures on Physics (Dover Books on Physics) (Paperback)

OK, having said that, here's a caveat. It says lectures. Don't expect WP to "teach" you physics. These books are stuffed with equations and WP begins his lectures without preamble and starts to write equations. You ought to have had a great deal of calculus to wade through his backyard. Its not easy but when you start to read it, you also notice that this guy makes precise his lectures. No wishy washy way of telling you of physical reality. It is there, Pauli sees it and tells you the equation for it and takes it from there.

I do not agree with the other person who thinks WP is not as good as Einstein. Einstein once answered to someone that he thought that W. Pauli is the only one he can think of as his succesor. Besides do not forget that if Sommerfeld felt that Pauli was not VERY good, he would not have had him contribute to the Mathematical Encylopedia at age 20! He wrote a full blown account of the Special and General theories for Goettingen's Math encyclopedia in 1920! This account is still considered contemporary and a best seller. A mere 4 years after it was invented when most physicists could not even figure out what it was all about. That in itself speaks volumes. He also had the courage to tell anyone, including Einstein that they were wrong when they were wrong (or not even wrong). In my humble opinion, Pauli was probably as good as Einstein and about as good as Heisenberg or Dirac.