Statistical Mechanics
The Theory of the Properties of Matter in Equilibrium

This 1966 edition of the late Sir Ralph Fowler's exposition of statistical mechanics was one of the first to adopt a quantum mechanical viewpoint.

R. H. Fowler (Author)

9780521093774, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 8 May 1980

876 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 4.9 cm, 1.26 kg

Statistical mechanics forms the basis of the study of the properties of matter in bulk from a molecular or microscopic viewpoint. This 1966 edition of the late Sir Ralph Fowler's monumental exposition of the subject was one of the first to adopt a quantum mechanical viewpoint, and it rapidly became recognised as the classic work on the subject. The fundamental principles of statistical mechanics are treated in the first few chapters and the rest of the book contains comprehensive accounts of their application to a wide range of branches of chemistry and physics: thermionics, electric and magnetic effects, the theory of metals, application to liquids and solutions, to atmospheric problems, stellar interiors and chemical kinetics. Detailed comparisons between theoretical predictions and experimental data are given throughout.

Table of common physical constants
1. Introduction
2. The general theorems of statistical mechanics for assemblies of permanent systems
3. Assemblies of permanent systems (cont.). The specific heats of simple gases
4. Partition functions for temperature radiation and crystals. Simple properties of crystals
5. The general assembly. Dissociation and evaporation
6. The relationship of the equilibrium theory to classical thermodynamics
7. Nernst's heat theorem and the chemical constants
8. The theory of imperfect gases
9. The theory of imperfect gases (cont.)
10. Interatomic forces
11. The electron theory of metals, thermionics and metallic conduction. Semi-conductors
12. Electric and magnetic susceptibilities. Ferromagnetism
13. Application to liquids and solutions
14. Assemblies of atoms, atomic ions and electron
15. Atmospheric problems
16. Applications to stellar interiors
17. Mechanisms of interaction. Collision processes
18. Chemical kinetics in gaseous systems
19. Mechanisms of interaction. Radiative processes
20. Fluctuations
21. Recent applications to cooperative and other phenomena
Index of authors quoted
Index of subjects.

Subject Areas: Physics [PH]