000 02569nam a2200229 454500
008 160319b 2009. . xxu||||| |||| 00| 0 eng d
020 _a9789380663142
082 _a530.13 REI
100 _aReif, F.
245 _aFundamentals of statistical and thermal physics
260 _aKolkata:
_bWaveland Publication:
_c2010.
300 _ax, 651 p.:
_bill;
_c25cm.
504 _aIncludes bibliographical references and index.
520 _aAll macroscopic systems consist ultimately of atoms obeying the laws of quantum mechanics. That premise forms the basis for this comprehensive text, intended for a first upper-level course in statistical and thermal physics. Reif emphasizes that the combination of microscopic concepts with some statistical postulates leads readily to conclusions on a purely macroscopic level. The author’s writing style and penchant for description energize interest in condensed matter physics as well as provide a conceptual grounding with information that is crystal clear and memorable. Reif first introduces basic probability concepts and statistical methods used throughout all of physics. Statistical ideas are then applied to systems of particles in equilibrium to enhance an understanding of the basic notions of statistical mechanics, from which derive the purely macroscopic general statements of thermodynamics. Next, he turns to the more complicated equilibrium situations, such as phase transformations and quantum gases, before discussing nonequilibrium situations in which he treats transport theory and dilute gases at varying levels of sophistication. In the last chapter, he addresses some general questions involving irreversible processes and fluctuations. A large amount of material is presented to facilitate students’ later access to more advanced works, to allow those with higher levels of curiosity to read beyond the minimum given on a topic, and to enhance understanding by presenting several ways of looking at a particular question. Formatting within the text either signals material that instructors can assign at their own discretion or highlights important results for easy reference to them. Additionally, by solving many of the 230 problems contained in the text, students activate and embed their knowledge of the subject matter. https://www.waveland.com/browse.php?t=520
650 _aThermodynamics
650 _aStatistical Mechanics
650 _aChemical Species
650 _aQuantum Statistics
650 _aLow Temperatures
650 _aTransport Theory
942 _2ddc
_cTD
999 _c30403
_d30403