Description
Book SynopsisThe equation of state was originally developed for ideal gases, and proved central to the development of early molecular and atomic physics. Increasingly sophisticated equations of state have been developed to take into account molecular interactions, quantization, relativistic effects, etc.Extreme conditions of matter are encountered both in nature and in the laboratory, for example in the centres of stars, in relativistic collisions of heavy nuclei, in inertial confinement fusion (where a temperature of 109 K and a pressure exceeding a billion atmospheres can be achieved). A sound knowledge of the equation of state is a prerequisite for understanding processes at very high temperatures and pressures, as noted in some recent developments.This book presents a detailed pedagogical account of the equation of state and its applications in several important and fast-growing topics in theoretical physics, chemistry and engineering.
Trade Review"In this book the reader will find an exciting review of the rich past and he also will get a glimpse into a future which may be unlimited." From the Foreword by Edward Teller
Table of ContentsA summary of thermodynamics; equation of state for an ideal gas; law of equipartition of energy and effects of vibrational and rotational motions; Bose-Einstein equation of state; Fermi-Dirac equation of state; ionization equilibrium and the Saha equation; Debye-Hnckel equation of state; the Thomas-Fermi and related models; Grnneisen equation of state; an introduction to fluid mechanics in relation to shock waves; derivation of hydrodynamics from kinetic theory; studies of the equations of state from high-pressure shock waves in solids; equation of state and inertial confinement fusion; applications of equations of state in astrophysics; equations of state in elementary particle physics.
