This text presents the two complementary aspects of thermal physics as an integrated theory of the properties of matter. Conceptual understanding is promoted by thorough development of basic concepts. In contrast to many texts, statistical mechanics, including discussion of the required probability theory, is presented first. This provides a statistical foundation for the concept of entropy, which is central to thermal physics. A unique feature of the book is the
development of entropy based on Boltzmann's 1877 definition; this avoids contradictions or ad hoc corrections found in other texts. Detailed fundamentals provide a natural grounding for advanced topics,
such as black-body radiation and quantum gases. An extensive set of problems (solutions are available for lecturers through the OUP website), many including explicit computations, advance the core content by probing essential concepts. The text is designed for a two-semester undergraduate course but can be adapted for one-semester courses emphasizing either aspect of thermal physics. It is also suitable for graduate study.
This text presents the two complementary aspects of thermal physics as an integrated theory of the properties of matter. Conceptual understanding is promoted by thorough development of basic concepts. In contrast to many texts, statistical mechanics, including discussion of the required probability theory, is presented first. This provides a statistical foundation for the concept of entropy, which is central to thermal physics. A unique feature of the book is the
development of entropy based on Boltzmann's 1877 definition; this avoids contradictions or ad hoc corrections found in other texts. Detailed fundamentals provide a natural grounding for advanced topics,
such as black-body radiation and quantum gases. An extensive set of problems (solutions are available for lecturers through the OUP website), many including explicit computations, advance the core content by probing essential concepts. The text is designed for a two-semester undergraduate course but can be adapted for one-semester courses emphasizing either aspect of thermal physics. It is also suitable for graduate study.
1: Introduction
I Entropy
2: Classical Ideal Gas
3: Discrete probability theory
4: Configurational entropy
5: Continuous random numbers
6: Classical ideal gas: Energy
7: Ideal and "real" gases
8: T, P, µ, and all that
II Introduction to Thermodynamics
9: Postulates and Laws of thermodynamics
10: Thermodynamic perturbations
11: Thermodynamic processes
12: Thermodynamic potentials
13: Extensivity
14: Thermodynamic identities
15: Extremum principles
16: Stability conditions
17: Phase transitions
18: Nernst postulate
III Classical statistical mechanics
19: Classical ensembles
20: Classical ensembles: grand and otherwise
21: Irreversibility
IV Quantum statistical mechanics
22: Quantum ensembles
23: Quantum canoncial ensemble
24: Black-body radiation
25: The harmonic solid
26: Ideal quantum gases
27: Bose-Einstein statistics
28: Fermi-Dirac statistics
29: Insulators and semiconductors
30: The Ising model
Robert H. Swendsen is Professor of Physics at Carnegie Mellon University, where he works primarily in computational statistical mechanics. Professor Swendsen is a Fellow of both the American Physical Society and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He was given an IBM Outstanding Achievement Award in 1981 and shared a Forefronts of Large-Scale Computational Problems Award with S. Kumar, J.M. Rosenberg, and P.A. Kollman in 1991.
`Bob Swendsen's book is very well thought out, educationally sound,
and more original than other texts.'
Jan Tobochnik, Kalamazoo College, USA
`Robert Swendsen is a well-respected researcher who has developed
many novel algorithms that illustrate his deep understanding of
statistical mechanics. His textbook reflects his deep understanding
and will likely have a major impact on the way statistical
mechanics and thermodynamics is taught. Particularly noteworthy is
Swendsen's treatment of entropy, following Boltzmann's original
definition in terms of probability, and his comprehensive
discussion of
the fundamental principles and applications of statistical
mechanics and thermodynamics. Students and instructors will enjoy
reading the book as much as Swendsen obviously enjoyed writing
it.'
Harvey Gould, Clark University, USA
`In this reader-friendly, excellent text, the author provides a
unique combination of the best of two worlds: traditional
thermodynamics (following Callen's footsteps) and modern
statistical mechanics (including VPython codes for
simulations).'
Royce Zia, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University,
USA
`Swendsen is famous for developing Monte Carlo algorithms which
dramatically speed up the simulation of many systems near a phase
transition. The ideas for those algorithms required deep
understanding of statistical mechanics, an understanding which is
now fully applied to this excellent textbook.'
Peter Young, University of California, USA
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