Essential Statistical Physics
- Author: Malcolm P. Kennett, Simon Fraser University, British Columbia
- Date Published: July 2020
- availability: In stock
- format: Hardback
- isbn: 9781108480789
Hardback
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This clear and pedagogical text delivers a concise overview of classical and quantum statistical physics. Essential Statistical Physics shows students how to relate the macroscopic properties of physical systems to their microscopic degrees of freedom, preparing them for graduate courses in areas such as biophysics, condensed matter physics, atomic physics and statistical mechanics. Topics covered include the microcanonical, canonical, and grand canonical ensembles, Liouville's Theorem, Kinetic Theory, non-interacting Fermi and Bose systems and phase transitions, and the Ising model. Detailed steps are given in mathematical derivations, allowing students to quickly develop a deep understanding of statistical techniques. End-of-chapter problems reinforce key concepts and introduce more advanced applications, and appendices provide a detailed review of thermodynamics and related mathematical results. This succinct book offers a fresh and intuitive approach to one of the most challenging topics in the core physics curriculum and provides students with a solid foundation for tackling advanced topics in statistical mechanics.
Read more- Delivers a focused yet accessible exposition of key topics in statistical physics
- Presents all steps in mathematical derivations allowing students to quickly develop a deep understanding of statistical techniques
- End of chapter problems reinforce important concepts developed within each chapter
- A detailed appendix on thermodynamics is provided for students requiring revision of introductory thermal physics
Reviews & endorsements
'At last a textbook that contains all the required elements for a modern advanced undergraduate course on statistical physics: foundations, quantum statistical mechanics, phase transitions and dynamics. I particularly like the derivation of ensembles through maximization of Gibbs entropy and the Langevin description of Brownian motion. Plenty of instructive problems within ten digestible chapters make this a text I can recommend to my students.' Martin Evans, University of Edinburgh
See more reviews'Statistical mechanics is a vast and fascinating topic, sometimes intimidating beginning students. Kennett succeeds in delivering an agile, fresh and modern exposition of the essential ideas and methods, in addition to a well-thought selection of examples and applications borrowed from all branches of physics. Students and teachers alike will enjoy the carefully organized table of contents for self-study and lecture preparation.' Roberto Raimondi, Roma Tre University
'This book incorporates, into a single course, ideas and theoretical techniques in statistical physics and quantum mechanics that are connected by the physical phenomena they are meant to describe. Yet they are rarely all found in the same text. Professor Kennett offers students of theoretical physics a rare opportunity to acquire a mature understanding of their impact and meaning.' Herbert Fertig, Indiana University, Bloomington
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×Product details
- Date Published: July 2020
- format: Hardback
- isbn: 9781108480789
- length: 260 pages
- dimensions: 252 x 193 x 16 mm
- weight: 0.72kg
- contains: 78 b/w illus.
- availability: In stock
Table of Contents
Preface
1. Introduction
2. The microcanonical ensemble
3. Liouville's theorem
4. The canonical ensemble
5. Kinetic theory
6. The grand canonical ensemble
7. Quantum statistical mechanics
8. Fermions
9. Bosons
10. Phase transitions and order
Appendix A Gaussian integrals and stirling's formula
Appendix B Primer on thermal physics
Appendix C Heat capacity cusp in Bose systems
References
Index.
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