Statistical Physics: A Probabilistic Approach (Dover Books on Physics) - Softcover

Lavenda, Bernard H.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0486810313 ISBN 13: 9780486810317

Publisher: Dover Publications, 2016

Synopsis

Suitable for graduate students in chemical physics, statistical physics, and physical chemistry, this text develops an innovative, probabilistic approach to statistical mechanics. The treatment employs Gauss's principle and incorporates Bose-Einstein and Fermi-Dirac statistics to provide a powerful tool for the statistical analysis of physical phenomena.
The treatment begins with an introductory chapter on entropy and probability that covers Boltzmann's principle and thermodynamic probability, among other topics. Succeeding chapters offer a case history of black radiation, examine quantum and classical statistics, and discuss methods of processing information and the origins of the canonical distribution. The text concludes with explorations of statistical equivalence, radiative and material phase transitions, and the kinetic foundations of Gauss's error law. Bibliographic notes complete each chapter.

About this title

From the Publisher

Offers a new, probabilistic approach to statistical mechanics by incorporating Bose-Einstein and Fermi-Dirac statistics. Includes Boltzmann's principle, black-body radiation, quantum statistics, conjugate distributions, statistical equivalence, and the kinetic foundation of Gauss' principle.

From the Inside Flap

In the absence of experimental facts to support the study of the origins of the universe and black holes, reliance must be shifted to theory, especially thermodynamics. But it is a serious mistake to search for specific results and them them out of the historical context in which they were conceived. It is necessary to follow the line of reasoning that produced the initial theory or principle in order to appreciate fully the potential result.

Statistical Physics: A Probabilistic Approach offers a single unifying principle, Gauss' principle, as the missing link that removes the ambiguities from Boltzmann's principle and provides a powerful tool for the statistical analysis of physical phenomena. This principle, taken from an obscure early nineteenth century work on celestial mechanics, also allows statistical thermodynamics to be viewed from the perspective of the theory of mathematical statistics.

This new probabilistic approach incorporates both Bose-Einstein and Fermi-Dirac statistics. Topics discussed include:
-Boltzmann's principle
-Black Body Radiation
-Quantum Statistics
-Conjugate Distributions
-Statistical Equivalence
-Radiative and Material Phase Transitions
-Kinetic Foundations of Gauss' Principle

Important reading for professions, faculty, and graduate students in chemical physics, statistical physics, and physical chemistry, this unconventional monograph takes the reader outside the mainstream of present-day thinking and introduces fresh air into the vacuum in which many modern day physicists work.

Edition details

• Publisher: Dover Publications
• Publication date: 2016
• ISBN 10: 0486810313
• ISBN 13: 9780486810317
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 384