Thermodynamics is foundational to many fields within Physics. This book provides a modern introduction to the main principles that are foundational to thermal physics, thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. It covers subjects as diverse as stellar astrophysics, shock physics, information and communication theory, condensed matter physics and climate change. This textbook, suitable for undergraduate students, graduate students and industry, was co-authored with the other Professor Blundell.
As the Earth's oil supply runs out, and the effects of climate change threaten nations and their populations, the search for carbon-neutral sources of energy becomes more important and increasingly urgent. This book focuses on solutions to the energy problem, and not just the problem itself. It describes the major energy-generation technologies currently under development, and provides an authoritative summary of the current status of each one. Broad in scope and comprehensive in treatment, Energy..beyond Oil provides an authoritative synthesis of the scientific and technological issues which are essential to the survival of the human race in the near future. The book will be of interest and use to graduate students and researchers in all areas of energy studies, and will also be highly useful for policy-makers and professionals in the environmental sector as well as a more general readership who wish to learn more about this extremely topical subject.
Black holes are a constant source of fascination to many due to their mysterious nature. This Very Short Introduction addresses a variety of questions, including what a black hole actually is, how they are characterized and discovered, and what would happen if you came too close to one. It explains how black holes form and grow - by stealing material that belongs to stars, as well as how many there may be in the Universe. It also explores the large black holes found in the centres of galaxies, and how black holes give rise to quasars and other spectacular phenomena in the cosmos.