Statistical and Thermal Physics: With Computer Applications

by Harvey Gould, Jan Tobochnik

A highly innovative text with integrated computer solutions

This textbook carefully develops the main ideas and techniques of statistical and thermal physics and is intended for upper-level undergraduate courses. The authors each have more than thirty years' experience in teaching, curriculum development, and research in statistical and computational physics.

Statistical and Thermal Physics begins with a qualitative discussion of the relation between the macroscopic and microscopic worlds and incorporates computer simulations throughout the book to provide concrete examples of important conceptual ideas. Unlike many contemporary texts on thermal physics, this book presents thermodynamic reasoning as an independent way of thinking about macroscopic systems. Probability concepts and techniques are introduced, including topics that are useful for understanding how probability and statistics are used. Magnetism and the Ising model are considered in greater depth than in most undergraduate texts, and ideal quantum gases are treated within a uniform framework. Advanced chapters on fluids and critical phenomena are appropriate for motivated undergraduates and beginning graduate students.

Genres: Physics, Textbooks, Science

552 pages, Hardcover

First published June 25, 2010

Reviews

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know if it because I find stat mech so frustrating or if this book doesn't explain it very well. But I found this book good for learning some aspects and terrible for others. I wouldn't say it is a great comprehensive resource.

[Mulualem]

i want to read