1 The First Law of Thermodynamics

2 The Second Law of Thermodynamics I

3 Paramagnetism

4 The Second Law of Thermodynamics II

5 Simple Thermodynamic Systems

6 The Heat Capacity of Solids

7 The Perfect Classical Gas

8 Phase Equilibria

9 The Perfect Quantal Gas

10 Black Body Radiation

11 Systems With Variable Particle Numbers

A Mathematical Results

B The Density of States

C Magnetic Systems 336

D Hints For Solving Problems 340

Bibliography 374

Index 379

Physical Constants and Conversion Factors inside back cover

THE MANCHESTER PHYSICS SERIES

Statistical Physics, Second Edition develops a unified treatment of statistical mechanics and thermodynamics, which emphasises the statistical nature of the laws of thermo-dynamics and the atomic nature of matter. Prominence is given to the Gibbs distribution, leading to a simple treatment of quantum statistics and of chemical reactions.

Undergraduate students of physics and related sciences will find this a stimulating account of the basic physics and its applications. Only an elementary knowledge of kinetic theory and atomic physics, as well as the rudiments of quantum theory, are presupposed for an under-standing of this book.

Statistical Physics, Second Edition features:

• A fully integrated treatment of thermo-dynamics and statistical mechanics.
• A flow diagram allowing topics to be studied in different orders or omitted altogether.
• Optional “starred” and highlighted sections containing more advanced and specialised material for the more ambitious reader.
• Sets of problems at the end of each chapter to help student understanding. Hints for solving the problems are given in an Appendix.