Talk:Basic thermodynamics

Headings
I've reverted back to the headings that were there before, because they are relevant to the class, and included your book suggestion in a section which Roadrunner was quite right to include. Sojourner001 11:36, 22 August 2006 (UTC)

Pedagological point
Part of the point that Kittel and Kroemer make (which I concur with) is that introducing thermodynamics by going first into statistical mechanics is actually an easier path for physics students.

I had a different format in mind for this course, but it might be easier if I put what I had in mind in a separate page.


 * Fair enough, I see where you're coming from. However, I think perhaps we've come to different conclusions about the meaning of the word 'basic'. Macroscopic thermodynamics can be taught, in a very simple sense, using only basic algebra, which is what I'm trying to do. This would make it suitable for younger students or people with only rudimentary skill in maths. Statistical physics on the other hand requires some quite detailed mathematical knowledge - remember that only a small minority of the population even understand calculus.


 * An interesting difference in approach which warrants further discussion, I think.Sojourner001 15:51, 22 August 2006 (UTC)