Statistical Physics

The Manchester Physics Series General Editors: D. J. Sandiford; F. Mandl; A. C. Phillips Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Manchester

Properties of Matter by B. H. Flowers and E. Mendoza, Optics Second Edition by F. G. Smith and J. H. Thomson, Statistical Physics Second Edition by E. Mandl, Electromagnetism Second Edition by I. S. Grant and W. R. Phillips, Statistics by R. J. Barlow, Solid State Physics Second Edition by J. R. Hook and H. E. Hall, Quantum Mechanics by F. Mandl, Particle Physics Second Edition by B. R. Martin and G. Shaw, The Physics of Stars Second Edition by A. C. Phillips, Computing for Scientists by R. J. Barlow and A. R. Barnett.

Statistical Physics, Second Edition develops a unified treatment of statistical mechanics and thermodynamics, which emphasises the statistical nature of the laws of thermodynamics and the atomic nature of matter. Prominence is given to the Gibbs distribution, leading to a simple treatment of quantum statistics and of chemical reactions.

Undergraduate students of physics and related sciences will find this a stimulating account of the basic physics and its applications. Only an elementary knowledge of kinetic theory and atomic physics, as well as the rudiments of quantum theory, are presupposed for an understanding of this book.

Statistical Physics, Second Edition features:

• A fully integrated treatment of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics.
• A flow diagram allowing topics to be studied in different orders or omitted altogether.
• Optional "starred" and highlighted sections containing more advanced and specialised material for the more ambitious reader.
• Sets of problems at the end of each chapter to help student understanding. Hints for solving the problems are given in an Appendix.