An Introduction to the Thermodynamics of Surfaces

Abstract

Although I have worked on problems in ordinary “bulk” thermodynamics for many years, it is only recently that I have begun to study surfaces. There is, of course, an advantage to having a novice give you an introduction to the subject: I know where a lot of the conceptual difficulties and traps are located, since I have fallen into them myself on numerous occasions. There is also a disadvantage which you should keep in mind: my own understanding of the subject is still quite limited and I may lead you into error. Professor Dash has wisely given me only three lectures, and this puts a definite upper limit on the amount of misinformation which I can transmit to you.