A masterpiece of theoretical physics, this classic contains a comprehensive exposition of the kinetic theory of gases. It combines rigorous mathematic analysis with a pragmatic treatment of physical and chemical applications.

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.

This is a collection of four lectures on some mathematical aspects related to the nonlinear Boltzmann equation. The following topics are dealt with: derivation of kinetic equations, qualitative analysis of the initial value problem, singular perturbation analysis towards the hydrodynamic limit and computational methods towards the solution of problems in fluid dynamics. Contents:On the Cauchy Problem for the Boltzmann Equation (L Arlotti & N Bellomo)Asymptotic Analysis of Nonlinear Kinetic Equations: The Hydrodynamic Limit (M Lachowicz)An Introduction to Kinetic Theory of Dense Gases (J Polewczak)Computational Methods for the Boltzmann Equation (W Walu()General Bibliography Readership: Applied mathematicians. keywords:Cauchy Problem;Asymptotic Analysis;Nonlinear Kinetic Equations;Hydrodynamic Limit;Dense Gases

Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics deals with the method of thermodynamic potentials, the four Gibbsian potentials, and Boltzmann's statistics. The book reviews the general considerations of thermodynamics, such as the first and second laws of thermodynamics, the van der Waals equation, and Nernst's third law of thermodynamics. The text also discusses the application of thermodynamics to special systems, the theory of phase equilibria, the electromotive force of galvanic cells, and the thermodynamics of near-equilibrium processes. The book explains the equation of state of a perfect gas, the Maxwellian velocity distribution, and the statistical significance of the constants in van der Waal's equation. The text notes that the states of equilibrium can be treated in a simple manner compared to complex methods used in problems connected with irreversible processes. The book explains that the atoms in a molecule are capable of performing small vibrations about their position of equilibrium as they possess both kinetic and potential energy. The text also discusses the quantization of vibrational energy and rotational energy. The book can be helpful for students of physics, thermodynamics, and related subjects. It can also be used by instructors in advanced physics.

Winner of the 1987 Pfizer Award of the History of Science Society "A majestic study of a most important spoch of intellectual history."—Brian Pippard, Times Literary Supplement "The authors' use of archival sources hitherto almost untouched gives their story a startling vividness. These volumes are among the finest works produced by historians of physics."—Jed Z. Buchwald, Isis "The authors painstakingly reconstruct the minutiae of laboratory budgets, instrument collections, and student numbers; they disentangle the intrigues of faculty appointments and the professional values those appointments reflected; they explore collegial relationships among physicists; and they document the unending campaign of scientists to wring further support for physics from often reluctant ministries."—R. Steven Turner, Science "Superbly written and exhaustively researched."—Peter Harman, Nature

In,1872, Boltzmann published a paper which for the first time provided a precise mathematical basis for a discussion of the approach to equilibrium. The paper dealt with the approach to equilibrium of a dilute gas and was based on an equation - the Boltzmann equation, as we call it now - for the velocity distribution function of such ~ gas. The Boltzmann equation still forms the basis of the kinetic theory of gases and has proved fruitful not only for the classical gases Boltzmann had in mind, but als- if properly generalized - for the electron gas in a solid and the excitation gas in a superfluid. Therefore it was felt by many of us that the Boltzmann equation was of sufficient interest, even today, to warrant a meeting, in which a review of its present status would be undertaken. Since Boltzmann had spent a good part of his life in Vienna, this city seemed to be a natural setting for such a meeting. The first day was devoted to historical lectures, since it was generally felt that apart from their general interest, they would furnish a good introduction to the subsequent scientific sessions. We are very much indebted to Dr. D.