Essential Statistical Physics

Delivers a clear and concise exposition of key topics in statistical physics, accompanied by detailed derivations and practice problems.

Malcolm P. Kennett (Author)

9781108480789, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 16 July 2020

260 pages, 78 b/w illus.
25.2 x 19.3 x 1.6 cm, 0.72 kg

'This book incorporates, into a single course, ideas and theoretical techniques in statistical physics and quantum mechanics that are connected by the physical phenomena they are meant to describe. Yet they are rarely all found in the same text. Professor Kennett offers students of theoretical physics a rare opportunity to acquire a mature understanding of their impact and meaning.' Herbert Fertig, Indiana University, Bloomington

This clear and pedagogical text delivers a concise overview of classical and quantum statistical physics. Essential Statistical Physics shows students how to relate the macroscopic properties of physical systems to their microscopic degrees of freedom, preparing them for graduate courses in areas such as biophysics, condensed matter physics, atomic physics and statistical mechanics. Topics covered include the microcanonical, canonical, and grand canonical ensembles, Liouville's Theorem, Kinetic Theory, non-interacting Fermi and Bose systems and phase transitions, and the Ising model. Detailed steps are given in mathematical derivations, allowing students to quickly develop a deep understanding of statistical techniques. End-of-chapter problems reinforce key concepts and introduce more advanced applications, and appendices provide a detailed review of thermodynamics and related mathematical results. This succinct book offers a fresh and intuitive approach to one of the most challenging topics in the core physics curriculum and provides students with a solid foundation for tackling advanced topics in statistical mechanics.

Preface
1. Introduction
2. The microcanonical ensemble
3. Liouville's theorem
4. The canonical ensemble
5. Kinetic theory
6. The grand canonical ensemble
7. Quantum statistical mechanics
8. Fermions
9. Bosons
10. Phase transitions and order
Appendix A Gaussian integrals and stirling's formula
Appendix B Primer on thermal physics
Appendix C Heat capacity cusp in Bose systems
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Mathematical physics [PHU], Statistical physics [PHS]