With an emphasis on finding solutions to common problems in chemistry, topics covered include: The Maxwell-Boltzmann velocity distribution for molecules in a gas, partition functions, and calculation of thermodynamic properties; ensembles (including the grand canonical ensemble), independent particles, and thermodynamic properties of atoms and molecules; and practical introductions to quantum statistical mechanics and classical statistical mechanics. Also covered are applications to electrons in metals and semiconductors; bosons and fermions; imperfect gases; transport properties; dipole moments in electric and magnetic fields; distribution functions and correlation functions in fluids; and time-dependent techniques for handling both simple and modern dynamical problems--the Liouville equation, time-correlation functions, and the Langevin equation.Ensembles.
Independent Particles.
Atoms and Molecules.
Quantum Statistical Mechanics.
Classical Statistical Mechanics.
Fluids.
Time Dependence.
Bibliography.
Index.JERRY GOODISMAN, PhD, is a professor in the Department of Chemistry at Syracuse University.From the basics of thermodynamics to solutions for modern dynamical problems --the complete beginner's guide to statistical mechanics.
Unlike most books on statistical mechanics, this one is written for advanced students in chemistry, chemical engineering, biophysics, and related fields. It targets readers with no prior exposure to statistical mechanics and provides a complete introduction to all the important principles, concepts, and equations, while maintaining a level of mathematical sophistication that most advanced chemistry students will find manageable. The emphasis is on finding solutions to common problems in chemistry. Topics covered include: * The Maxwell-Boltzmann l3‡