Elementary Lectures in Statistical Mechanics

You must be logged in to access this title.

Sign up now

Already a member? Log in

Synopsis

This textbook for graduates and advanced undergraduates in physics and physical chemistry covers the major areas of statistical mechanics and concludes with the level of current research. It begins with the fundamental ideas of averages and ensembles, focusing on classical systems described by continuous variables such as position and momentum, and using the ideal gas as an example. It then turns to quantum systems, beginning with diatomic molecules and working up through blackbody radiation and chemical equilibria. The discussion of equilibrium properties of systems of interacting particles includes such techniques as cluster expansions and distribution functions and uses non-ideal gases, liquids, and solutions. Dynamic behavior -- treated here more extensively than in other texts -- is discussed from the point of view of correlation functions. The text concludes with the problem of diffusion in a suspension of interacting hard spheres and what can be learned about such a system from scattered light. Intended for a one-semester course, the text includes several "asides" on topics usually omitted from introductory courses, as well as numerous exercises.

Book details

Edition:
2000
Series:
Graduate Texts in Contemporary Physics
Author:
George D.J. Phillies
ISBN:
9781461212645
Related ISBNs:
9780387989181
Publisher:
Springer New York
Pages:
N/A
Reading age:
Not specified
Includes images:
No
Date of addition:
2020-12-22
Usage restrictions:
Copyright
Copyright date:
2000
Copyright by:
N/A 
Adult content:
No
Language:
English
Categories:
Mathematics and Statistics, Nonfiction, Science