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Full Description
The concept of entropy arises in diverse branches of science, including physics, where it plays a crucial role. However, the nature of entropy as a unifying concept is not widely discussed—it is dealt with in a piecemeal manner within different contexts. The interpretation of the concept is also subtly different in each case. This book draws these diverse threads together and present entropy as one of the crucial physical concepts. It covers a range of different applications of entropy, from the classical theory of thermodynamics, the statistical approach, entropy in quantum theory, information theory and finally, its manifestation in black hole physics. Each is presented in a manner suitable for undergraduates and interested laypersons with no previous knowledge. The book takes an overview of these areas and assesses to what extent the concept of entropy is being treated in the same way in each, and how it differs.
A video featuring the authors discussing entropy can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVRM2LxsWy4&t=239s.
Key Features:
Provides an accessible introduction to the exciting topic of entropy.
Includes the latest research on black holes, quantum theory, and the Big Bang.
Contains worked examples and exercises.
Contents
Introduction: What is Entropy? Chapter 1: Zero. Chapter 2: One. Chapter 3: Ideal. Chapter 4: Two. Chapter 5: Omega. Chapter 6: The Quantum Realm. Chapter 7: Ensembles, Energy Levels and Microstates. Chapter 8: Identical Particles. Chapter 9: The Grand Canonical Ensemble. Chapter 10: Entropy and the Time Evolution of Quantum States. Chapter 11: The Density Matrix. Chapter 12: Quantum Entropy. Chapter 13: Life. Chapter 14: Information. Chapter 15: Death. Chapter 16: Black. Chapter 17: Afterthoughts. Appendix MA: Mathematical Preliminaries. PA1: Physics Appendix. Bibliography. Index.
