Statistical Physics: An Entropic Approach - Softcover

Ford, Ian

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1119975301 ISBN 13: 9781119975304

Publisher: Wiley, 2013

Synopsis

This undergraduate textbook provides a statistical mechanical foundation to the classical laws of thermodynamics via a comprehensive treatment of the basics of classical thermodynamics, equilibrium statistical mechanics, irreversible thermodynamics, and the statistical mechanics of non-equilibrium phenomena.

This timely book has a unique focus on the concept of entropy, which is studied starting from the well-known ideal gas law, employing various thermodynamic processes, example systems and interpretations to expose its role in the second law of thermodynamics. This modern treatment of statistical physics includes studies of neutron stars, superconductivity and the recently developed fluctuation theorems. It also presents figures and problems in a clear and concise way, aiding the student’s understanding.

About this title

About the Author

Ian Ford
Department of Physics and Astronomy, University College London, UK

From the Back Cover

This undergraduate textbook provides a statistical mechanical foundation to the classical laws of thermodynamics via a comprehensive treatment of the basics of classical thermodynamics, equilibrium statistical mechanics, irreversible thermodynamics, and the statistical mechanics of non-equilibrium phenomena.

This timely book has a unique focus on the concept of entropy, which is studied starting from the well-known ideal gas law, employing various thermodynamic processes, example systems and interpretations to expose its role in the second law of thermodynamics. This modern treatment of statistical physics includes studies of neutron stars, superconductivity and the recently developed fluctuation theorems. It also presents figures and problems in a clear and concise way, aiding the student’s understanding.

Statistical Physics: An Entropic Approach

• Provides an excellent introduction to classical thermodynamics
• Covers key topics within the physics undergraduate curriculum that are accessible also to students in chemistry and engineering disciplines
• Dispels confusion over the nature of entropy, offering a coherent and consistent treatment of Boltzmann, Gibbs and Shannon models
• Features clear pictorial representations of statistical systems, illustrating thermodynamic approaches
• Develops statistical thermodynamics for a range of systems and applications
• Features advanced sections on stochastic dynamics and fluctuation relations, including recent ideas concerning the stochastic definition of entropy production, together with suggested further reading on these them

From the Inside Flap

This undergraduate textbook provides a statistical mechanical foundation to the classical laws of thermodynamics via a comprehensive treatment of the basics of classical thermodynamics, equilibrium statistical mechanics, irreversible thermodynamics, and the statistical mechanics of non-equilibrium phenomena.

This timely book has a unique focus on the concept of entropy, which is studied starting from the well-known ideal gas law, employing various thermodynamic processes, example systems and interpretations to expose its role in the second law of thermodynamics. This modern treatment of statistical physics includes studies of neutron stars, superconductivity and the recently developed fluctuation theorems. It also presents figures and problems in a clear and concise way, aiding the student’s understanding.

Statistical Physics: An Entropic Approach

• Provides an excellent introduction to classical thermodynamics
• Covers key topics within the physics undergraduate curriculum that are accessible also to students in chemistry and engineering disciplines
• Dispels confusion over the nature of entropy, offering a coherent and consistent treatment of Boltzmann, Gibbs and Shannon models
• Features clear pictorial representations of statistical systems, illustrating thermodynamic approaches
• Develops statistical thermodynamics for a range of systems and applications
• Features advanced sections on stochastic dynamics and fluctuation relations, including recent ideas concerning the stochastic definition of entropy production, together with suggested further reading on these them

Edition details

• Publisher: Wiley
• Publication date: 2013
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1119975301
• ISBN 13: 9781119975304
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 288