Basic Thermal Physics: Heat and Thermodynamics with Practical by Dr. Utpal Jyoti Mahanta is a comprehensive and systematic textbook designed according to the FYUGP/NEP B.Sc. Physics Major syllabus followed in multiple universities including Dibrugarh University, Bodoland University, Gauhati University, Bhattadev University, and Assam University. This book provides a solid foundation in thermal physics and classical thermodynamics, supported with a well-structured practical section to enhance conceptual clarity through experimentation.

The text blends theoretical principles with real-world applications, ensuring that students develop a deep understanding of thermal properties of matter, laws of thermodynamics, kinetic theory of gases, heat engines, entropy, thermodynamic potentials, and thermal measurements. With its clear conceptual approach and student-friendly language, the book serves as an ideal resource for undergraduate physics learners under the FYUGP/NEP framework. 

UNIT I – Introduction to Thermodynamics

This unit offers a strong conceptual foundation with topics such as:

• Thermodynamic systems & classifications

• System variables: intensive & extensive

• Thermodynamic equilibrium

• Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics

• Equation of state & deductions

• Reversible and irreversible processes

• Quasi-static processes & indicator diagrams

• Heat and work, mechanical equivalent of heat

• Work done in isothermal, isobaric, isochoric, and adiabatic processes

• First Law of Thermodynamics: internal energy, enthalpy

• Molar heat capacities, CP–CV relations

• Applications of the First Law

• Entropy: physical concept, entropy form of First Law

• Entropy change for ideal gas & phase transitions

• Heat engines, Carnot cycle & efficiency

• Kelvin–Planck and Clausius statements

• Second Law of Thermodynamics & increase of entropy principle

• Thermodynamic potentials & Maxwell relations

• Phase transitions: Clausius–Clapeyron equations

• Third Law of Thermodynamics & non-attainability of absolute zero

This unit enables students to understand core thermodynamic laws and their mathematical formulations.

UNIT II – Kinetic Theory of Gases

This unit explains molecular-level thermal behaviour through:

• Maxwell’s velocity distribution law

• RMS speed, most probable speed, mean speed

• Temperature dependence of molecular velocities

• Doppler broadening

• Degrees of freedom

• Law of equipartition of energy

• Specific heat of gases

• Molar ratio of specific heats

• Molecular collisions: mean free path, collision probabilities

• Transport phenomena: viscosity, thermal conductivity, diffusion

• Brownian motion

This builds the bridge between classical thermodynamics and molecular behaviour.

UNIT III – Real Gases & Advanced Topics

Topics include:

• Deviations from ideal behaviour

• Virial equation of state

• Andrews' CO₂ experiment

• Critical constants

• van der Waals equation of state

• Joule’s law and Joule’s expansion

• Joule–Thomson effect and cooling

• Boyle temperature, inversion temperature

• Real gas liquefaction and low-temperature physics

This helps students understand real-world gas behaviour and cryogenic principles.