No label defined (Q4393433)

This is an excellent introduction to thermodynamics presenting a unified view of both equilibrium and nonequilibrium systems. The book introduces the subject in a modern and attractive way. It makes clear from the very outset the relationship between irreversible processes that naturally occur, such as chemical reactions and heat condition, and the rate of increase of entropy. It is the aim of this book to give a readable introduction to present-day thermodynamics starting from its historical roots as associated with heat engines but including also the thermodynamic description of far-from-equilibrium situation. The phenomena of dissipative structures and self-organization are in the centre of discussions in this book. These notions appear in a wide range of fields from astrophysics up to human sciences and economy. Recognising the importance of computers in this field, readers are encouraged to solve problems using computers and access thermodynamic data and information on the World Wide Web. This introductory text assumes no preliminary familiarity with thermodynamics.