Methods and Applications of Statistical Physics (Pt. 2) (Theoretical and Mathematical Physics) - Hardcover

Balian, Roger

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 3540535993 ISBN 13: 9783540535997

Publisher: Springer-Verlag Berlin and Heidelberg GmbH & Co. K, 1992

Synopsis

This popular, often cited text returns in a softcover edition to provide a thorough introduction to statistical physics and thermodynamics, and to exhibit the universal chain of ideas leading from the laws of microphysics to the macroscopic behaviour of matter. A wide range of applications illustrates the concepts, and many exercises reinforce understanding. Volume II applies statistical methods to systems governed by quantum effects, in particular to solid state physics, explaining properties due to the crystal structure or to the lattice excitations or to the electrons. The last chapters are devoted to non-equilibrium processes and to kinetic equations, with many applications included.

About this title

From the Back Cover

This text not only provides a thorough introduction to statistical physics and thermodynamics but also exhibits the universality of the chain of ideas that leads from the laws of microphysics to the macroscopic behaviour of matter. A wide range of applications teaches students how to make use of the concepts, and many exercises will help to deepen their understanding. Drawing on both quantum mechanics and classical physics, the book follows modern research in statistical physics.

Volume I discusses in detail the probabilistic description of quantum or classical systems, the Boltzmann-Gibbs distributions, the conservation laws, and the interpretation of entropy as missing information. Thermodynamics and electromagnetism in matter are dealt with, as well as applications to gases, both dilute and condensed, and to phase transitions.

Volume II applies statistical methods to systems governed by quantum effects, in particular to solid state physics, explaining properties due to the crystal structure or to the lattice excitations or to the electrons. Liquid helium is discussed and radiative equilibrium and transport are studied. The last chapters are devoted to non-equilibrium processes and to kinetic equations, with many applications included.

This softcover edition accommodates the many requests to make this widely used and often cited classical text available again.

Synopsis

This text, an expanded and improved version of the author's lectures at the Ecole Polytechnique, is intended to be not only an introduction to statistical physics and thermodynamics but also a tool for those who need to apply the theory in physics and engineering. It teaches the student how the microscopic world affects macrophysics and the behaviour of matter. Drawing on both quantum mechanics and classical physics, the book follows the pattern of modern research in statistical physics. The pedagogical aspects are underlined by many exercises. Volume 2 applies statistical methods to the theory of solids and of liquid helium. The remaining chapters are devoted to the thermodynamics of radiation and to irreversible phenomena, including diffusion and application to fluids.

Edition details

• Publisher: Springer-Verlag Berlin and Heidelberg GmbH & Co. K
• Publication date: 1992
• ISBN 10: 3540535993
• ISBN 13: 9783540535997
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 627