Mere Thermodynamics

An accessible exploration of a notoriously difficult subject, this "gem of physics pedagogy . . . should be required reading for all courses on thermodynamics" (Robert C. Hilborn, University of Texas at Dallas).

Presenting classical thermodynamics as a concise and discrete whole, Mere Thermodynamics is a perfect tool for teaching the theory's central concepts and methods. The book features end-of-chapter practice problems, an appendix of worked problems, a glossary of terms, and an annotated bibliography.


Accomplished teacher Don S. Lemons uses thermodynamics to solve problems from a broad range of physics. He illustrates not only the fundamentals of the subject but also advanced topics such as the relationship between the second law of thermodynamics and entropy. He highlights the intellectual structure and history of the discipline and explores the logical consequences of each of the famous three laws. Lemons explains and develops the first two laws and their corollaries, the methods and applications of thermodynamics, and the third law, as well as non-fluid variables, equilibrium and stability, and two-phase systems.