An Introduction to Statistical Mechanics and Thermodynamics

by Robert H. Swendsen

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.

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Genres: Science

401 pages, Hardcover

First published February 27, 2012

Reviews

[Karpur Shukla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Class textbook (draft version) for 33-341 (Thermal Physics I), 33-342 (Thermal Physics II), and 33-765 (Statistical Mechanics).

This book is one of the best books to go through if you want to understand statistical mechanics and thermodynamics "from scratch", as it were. A lot of previous books either discuss the subject at a too-elementary level throughout, or are graduate texts themselves that assume an undergraduate-level introduction to the subject. This, conversely, is written quite pedagogically (a big plus for me), by someone with a deep and tremendously insightful understanding of statistical mechanics.

It explains concepts from a ground-up approach, starting with probability theory and Boltzmann's original definition of entropy, through to the statistical mechanics foundations of thermodynamics, and then to actual calculations in classical and quantum statistical mechanics. Although Oxford listed it as a graduate text, it's suitable for (and, in fact, was developed for) undergrads. It's a first-rate introduction to the subject and to graduate texts such as Kardar.

[Alessandro Zinani · Rating 3 out of 5]

6/10