Equilibrium thermodynamics

Thermodynamics was originally a macroscopic theory with the microscopic explanation coming later. In 'Equilibrium Thermodynamics' C.J. Adkins presents the subject from the macroscopic point of view. (Philosophically one might want to do this to separate out the two viewpoints, but that isn't really a motivation for this book) His idea is that this is the best way to introduce the subject to the student. I can't say that I agree with that, but it does mean that he can pack a large amount of material into a small book, so if your main interest is in the applications of thermodynamics then you may find this book worth studying.

After a few chapters introducing the first and second laws of thermodynamics, Adkins starts looking at the applications of the subject, such as the behaviour of gases, the thermodynamics of electric cells, and piezoelectricity. There are also chapters looking at irreversible changes and at phase changes. There is plenty of material on low temperature thermodynamics, including the third law.

A book like this is bound to be mathematical, but it doesn't get too abstract and should present few problems to a science undergraduate. There are also plenty of diagrams to assist in understanding.