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Statistical physics and thermodynamics : an introduction to key concepts / Jochen Rau

Author
Rau, Jochen
Published
Oxford, United Kingdom : Oxford University Press, 2017.
Copyright Date
©2017
Edition
First edition.
Physical Description
1 online resource
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Contents
1. Introduction -- 1.1. The challenge of statistical mechanics -- 1.2. Classical probability -- 2. Quantum theory -- 2.1. Review of basic concepts -- 2.2. Mixed states -- 2.3. Composite systems -- 3. Constructing the state -- 3.1. Information and entropy -- 3.2. Maximum entropy principle -- 3.3. Thermodynamic square -- 3.4. Reproducible processes and the second law -- 3.5. Equilibrium and temperature -- 3.6. Fluctuations -- 4. Simple systems -- 4.1. Harmonic oscillator -- 4.2. Rotor -- 4.3. Spin in a magnetic field -- 4.4. Paramagnet -- 5. Thermodynamic limit -- 5.1. Homogeneity -- 5.2. Stability -- 5.3. Equivalence of ensembles -- 5.4. Four laws -- 6. Perfect gas -- 6.1. Generic properties -- 6.2. Continuum and classical limits -- 6.3. Fermi gas -- 6.4. Bose-Einstein condensation -- 6.5. Photons -- 6.6. Internal dynamics -- 6.7. Dilution solution -- 7. Processes and responses -- 7.1. Work and heat -- 7.2. Cycles, barriers, and reservoirs -- 7.3. Potentials -- 7.4. Equilibrium and stability in the presence of a reservoir -- 7.5. Coefficients -- 8. Phase transitions -- 8.1. Coexistence of phases -- 8.2. First-order phase transition -- 8.3. Second-order phase transition: Ising model.
Summary
"Statistical physics and thermodynamics describe the behaviour of systems on the macroscopic scale. Their methods are applicable to a wide range of phenomena: from refrigerators to the interior of stars, from chemical reactions to magnetism. Indeed, of all physical laws, the laws of thermodynamics are perhaps the most universal. This text provides a concise yet thorough introduction to the key concepts which underlie statistical physics and thermodynamics. It begins with a review of classical probability theory and quantum theory, as well as a careful discussion of the notions of information and entropy, prior to embarking on the development of statistical physics proper. The crucial steps leading from the microscopic to the macroscopic domain are rendered transparent. In particular, the laws of thermodynamics are shown to emerge as natural consequences of the statistical framework. While the emphasis is on clarifying the basic concepts, the text also contains many applications and classroom-tested exercises, covering all major topics of a standard course on statistical physics and thermodynamics."--
Statistical physics and thermodynamics describe the behaviour of systems on the macroscopic scale. Their methods are applicable to a wide range of phenomena, from neutron stars to heat engines, or from chemical reactions to phase transitions. The pertinent laws are among the most universal ones of all laws of physics.
Subject(s)
ISBN
9780192529503 (electronic bk.)
0192529501 (electronic bk.)
9780191844300
0191844306
9780199595075
9780199595068
0199595070
0199595062
Bibliography Note
Includes bibliographical references and index.
View MARC record | catkey: 43663220