Statistical Mechanics in a Nutshell, Second Edition

Luca Peliti

ISBN 10: 0691248427 / ISBN 13: 9780691248424

Published by Princeton University Press, US, 2024

About this Item

The essential introduction to modern statistical mechanics-now completely updated and expandedStatistical mechanics is one of the most exciting areas of physics today and has applications to subjects ranging from economics and social behavior to algorithmic theory and evolutionary biology. Statistical Mechanics in a Nutshell provides a self-contained introduction to this rapidly developing field. Starting with the basics of kinetic theory and requiring only a background in elementary calculus and mechanics, this concise book discusses the most important developments of recent decades and guides readers to the very threshold of today's cutting-edge research.Features a new chapter on stochastic thermodynamics with an introduction to the thermodynamics of information-the first treatment of its kind in an introductory textbookOffers a more detailed account of numerical simulations, including simulated annealing and other accelerated Monte Carlo methodsThe chapter on complex systems now features an accessible introduction to the replica theory of spin glasses and the Hopfield theory of neural networks, with an emphasis on applicationsProvides a new discussion of defect-mediated transitions and their implications for two-dimensional meltingAn invaluable resource for graduate students and advanced undergraduates seeking a compact primer on the core ideas of statistical mechanicsSolutions manual (available only to instructors).

Seller Inventory # LU-9780691248424

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Statistical Mechanics in a Nutshell, Second Edition
• Publisher: Princeton University Press, US
• Publication Date: 2024
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0691248427
• ISBN 13: 9780691248424
• Binding: Hardback
• Edition: 2nd.
• Condition: New
• Dimensions: 7.25W x 1H x 10.5D inches 7.25 inches width by 1 inches height by 10.5 inches depth

About this title

Synopsis

The essential introduction to modern statistical mechanics—now completely updated and expanded

Statistical mechanics is one of the most exciting areas of physics today and has applications to subjects ranging from economics and social behavior to algorithmic theory and evolutionary biology. Statistical Mechanics in a Nutshell provides a self-contained introduction to this rapidly developing field. Starting with the basics of kinetic theory and requiring only a background in elementary calculus and mechanics, this concise book discusses the most important developments of recent decades and guides readers to the very threshold of today’s cutting-edge research.

• Features a new chapter on stochastic thermodynamics with an introduction to the thermodynamics of information—the first treatment of its kind in an introductory textbook
• Offers a more detailed account of numerical simulations, including simulated annealing and other accelerated Monte Carlo methods
• The chapter on complex systems now features an accessible introduction to the replica theory of spin glasses and the Hopfield theory of neural networks, with an emphasis on applications
• Provides a new discussion of defect-mediated transitions and their implications for two-dimensional melting
• An invaluable resource for graduate students and advanced undergraduates seeking a compact primer on the core ideas of statistical mechanics
• Solutions manual (available only to instructors)

About the Author

Luca Peliti is deputy director of the Santa Marinella Research Institute and professor emeritus of statistical mechanics at the University of Naples Federico II. He is the author (with Simone Pigolotti) of Stochastic Thermodynamics: An Introduction (Princeton).