Statistical Mechanics: From First Principles to Macroscopic Phenomena

J. Woods Halley

doi:10.1017/CBO9780511815843

Based on the author's graduate course taught over many years in several physics departments, this 2006 book takes a 'reductionist' view of statistical mechanics, while describing the main ideas and methods underlying its applications. It implicitly assumes that the physics of complex systems as observed is connected to fundamental physical laws represented at the molecular level by Newtonian mechanics or quantum mechanics. Organised into three parts, the first section describes the fundamental principles of equilibrium statistical mechanics. The next section describes applications to phases of increasing density and order: gases, liquids and solids; it also treats phase transitions. The final section deals with dynamics, including a careful account of hydrodynamic theories and linear response theory. This textbook is suitable for a one year graduate course in statistical mechanics for physicists, chemists and chemical engineers. Problems are included following each chapter, with solutions to selected problems provided.

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Contents

Frontmatter
pp i-iv
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Contents
pp v-viii
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Preface
pp ix-xii
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Introduction
pp 1-4
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Part I - Foundations of equilibrium statistical mechanics
pp 5-6
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1 - The classical distribution function
pp 7-26
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2 - Quantum mechanical density matrix
pp 27-36
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3 - Thermodynamics
pp 37-50
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4 - Semiclassical limit
pp 51-56
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Part II - States of matter in equilibrium statistical physics
pp 57-58
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5 - Perfect gases
pp 59-84
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6 - Imperfect gases
pp 85-124
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7 - Statistical mechanics of liquids
pp 125-144
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8 - Quantum liquids and solids
pp 145-160
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9 - Phase transitions: static properties
pp 161-192
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Part III - Dynamics
pp 193-194
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10 - Hydrodynamics and definition of transport coefficients
pp 195-216
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11 - Stochastic models and dynamical critical phenomena
pp 217-242
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Appendix: Solutions to selected problems
pp 243-280
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Index
pp 281-283
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Statistical Mechanics

From First Principles to Macroscopic Phenomena

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Contents

Frontmatter
pp i-iv

Contents
pp v-viii

Preface
pp ix-xii

Introduction
pp 1-4

Part I - Foundations of equilibrium statistical mechanics
pp 5-6

1 - The classical distribution function
pp 7-26

2 - Quantum mechanical density matrix
pp 27-36

3 - Thermodynamics
pp 37-50

4 - Semiclassical limit
pp 51-56

Part II - States of matter in equilibrium statistical physics
pp 57-58

5 - Perfect gases
pp 59-84

6 - Imperfect gases
pp 85-124

7 - Statistical mechanics of liquids
pp 125-144

8 - Quantum liquids and solids
pp 145-160

9 - Phase transitions: static properties
pp 161-192

Part III - Dynamics
pp 193-194

10 - Hydrodynamics and definition of transport coefficients
pp 195-216

11 - Stochastic models and dynamical critical phenomena
pp 217-242

Appendix: Solutions to selected problems
pp 243-280

Index
pp 281-283

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Statistical Mechanics

From First Principles to Macroscopic Phenomena

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