Statistical Mechanics [Paperback]

This completely revised edition of the classical book on Statistical Mechanics covers the basic concepts of equilibrium and non-equilibrium statistical physics. In addition to a deductive approach to equilibrium statistics and thermodynamics based on a single hypothesis this book treats the most important elements of non-equilibrium phenomena. Intermediate calculations are presented in complete detail. Problems at the end of each chapter help students to consolidate their understanding of the material. Beyond the fundamentals, this text demonstrates the breadth of the field and its great variety of applications.

This revised edition of the classical book on Statistical Mechanics covers the basic concepts of equilibrium and non-equilibrium statistical physics. In addition to equilibrium statistics and thermodynamics this book covers important elements of non-equilibrium phenomena.

Basic Principles.- Equilibrium Ensembles.- Thermodynamics.- Ideal Quantum Gases.- Real Gases, Liquids, and Solutions.- Magnetism.- Phase Transitions, Scale Invariance, Renormalization Group Theory, and Percolation.- Brownian Motion, Equations of Motion, and the Fokker-Planck Equations.- The Boltzmann Equation.- Irreversibility and the Approach to Equilibrium.

From the reviews of the second edition:

This book gives a thorough account of the subject in a logical & manner. & Each chapter concludes with a reference list and a number of detailed problems. & The book has a clear pedagogic style and is recommended for physics students from third year on. & This one will be a valuable resource for both researchers and teachers alike. (Murray Batchelor, Australian Physics, Vol. 32 (6), 2007)

The book under review is an English translation of the second edition of the popular textbook on equilibrium and non-equilibrium statistical mechanics. & This is a well-written and well-balanced textbook, acceslS8