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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This text presents statistical mechanics and thermodynamics as a theoretically integrated field of study. It stresses deep coverage of fundamentals, providing a natural foundation for advanced topics. The large problem sets (with solutions for teachers) include many computational problems to advance student understanding.
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I ENTROPY; II INTRODUCTION TO THERMODYNAMICS; III CLASSICAL STATISTICAL MECHANICS; IV QUANTUM STATISTICAL MECHANICS
In his innovative new text, Carnegie Mellon University physics professor Robert Swendsen presents the foundations of statistical mechanics with, as he puts it, a detour through thermodynamics. That's a desirable strategy because the statistical approach is more fundamental than the classical thermodynamics approach and has many applications to current research problems. [] The mathematical notation is carefully introduced and useful; the selected mathematical techniques are clearly explained in a conversational style that both graduate and advanced undergraduate students will find easy to follow. The author's subject organization and conceptual viewpoint address some of the shortcomings of conventional developments of thermal physics and will be helpful to students and researchers seeking a deep appreciation of statistical physics.
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`Bob Swendsen's book is very well thought out, educationally sound, and more original than other texts.' Jan Tobochnik, Kalamazoo College, USA `Robert Swendsen is a well-respected researcher who has developed many novel algorithms that illustrate his deep understanding of statistical mechanics. His textbook reflects his deep understanding and will likely have a major impact on the way statistical mechanics and thermodynamics is taught. Particularly noteworthy is Swendsen's treatment of entropy, following Boltzmann's original definition in terms of probability, and his comprehensive discussion of the fundamental principles and applications of statistical mechanics and thermodynamics. Students and instructors will enjoy reading the book as much as Swendsen obviously enjoyed writing it.' Harvey Gould, Clark University, USA `In this reader-friendly, excellent text, the author provides a unique combination of the best of two worlds: traditional thermodynamics (following Callen's footsteps) and modern statistical mechanics (including VPython codes for simulations).' Royce Zia, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, USA `Swendsen is famous for developing Monte Carlo algorithms which dramatically speed up the simulation of many systems near a phase transition. The ideas for those algorithms required deep understanding of statistical mechanics, an understanding which is now fully applied to this excellent textbook.' Peter Young, University of California, USA
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Solutions manual available on request from the OUP website Theoretical integration of statistical mechanics and thermodynamics Foundation of the concept of entropy in Boltzmann's 1877 definition Extensive problem sets emphasizing computation Self-contained mathematical coverage, particularly the probability theory needed for statistical mechanics In-depth coverage of thermodynamics including the use of Jacobians for deriving thermodynamic identities
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Robert H. Swendsen is Professor of Physics at Carnegie Mellon University, where he works primarily in computational statistical mechanics. Professor Swendsen is a Fellow of both the American Physical Society and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He was given an IBM Outstanding Achievement Award in 1981 and shared a Forefronts of Large-Scale Computational Problems Award with S. Kumar, J.M. Rosenberg, and P.A. Kollman in 1991.
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Solutions manual available on request from the OUP website Theoretical integration of statistical mechanics and thermodynamics Foundation of the concept of entropy in Boltzmann's 1877 definition Extensive problem sets emphasizing computation Self-contained mathematical coverage, particularly the probability theory needed for statistical mechanics In-depth coverage of thermodynamics including the use of Jacobians for deriving thermodynamic identities
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Produktdetaljer

ISBN
9780199646944
Publisert
2012
Utgiver
Vendor
Oxford University Press
Vekt
960 gr
Høyde
253 mm
Bredde
177 mm
Dybde
27 mm
Aldersnivå
UU, 05
Språk
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Innbundet
Antall sider
424

Forfatter

Biographical note

Robert H. Swendsen is Professor of Physics at Carnegie Mellon University, where he works primarily in computational statistical mechanics. Professor Swendsen is a Fellow of both the American Physical Society and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He was given an IBM Outstanding Achievement Award in 1981 and shared a Forefronts of Large-Scale Computational Problems Award with S. Kumar, J.M. Rosenberg, and P.A. Kollman in 1991.