Introduction to Statistical Mechanics - Softcover

Jens O Andersen

Softcover

ISBN 10: 8232101059 ISBN 13: 9788232101054

Publisher: Fagbokforlaget V & B, 2012

Synopsis

This book is written for third-year university students in physics and engineering at The Norwegian University of Science and Technology. It is an introductory text to statistical mechanics that carefully develops new concepts and ideas from basic assumptions and established results. The prerequisites are mathematics courses on analysis and linear algebra as well as physics courses on classical mechanics, quantum mechanics, and thermodynamics. The first two chapters cover basic probability theory, Markov processes, and classical mechanics. Chapters three through five cover ensemble theory with applications to e .g spin systems, lattice vibrations, and black-body radiation. Chapter six is devoted to quantum statistical mechanics and the derivation of the Bose-Einstein and Fermi-Dirac distribution functions. The theory is applied to understand the fascinating white dwarfs, semiconductors, and the quark-gluon plasma. The book is equipped with an appendix, which covers some useful mathematical material. Each chapter contains a number of exercises that are helpful in understanding the concepts.

About this title

About the Author

Jens O. Andersen received his PhD from the University of Oslo in 1997. After having held postdoctoral positions at The Ohio State University, Utrecht University, and Nordita, he became professor of physics at NTNU in 2005. He has taught a number of different courses over the years ranging from introductory courses for first-year students to advanced courses on quantum field theory. The author has a solid background in theoretical physics including condensed matter theory and high-energy physics. Currently his research is focussed on the properties of quantum chromodynamics in extreme conditions, i.e., high temperature and high density.

Edition details

• Publisher: Fagbokforlaget V & B
• Publication date: 2012
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 8232101059
• ISBN 13: 9788232101054
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 240