Statistical PhysicsThe laws of statistical mechanics and thermodynamics form one of the most fascinating branches of physics, and this text imparts some of this fascination to the student. The rapid growth in scientific knowledge means that an undergraduate physics course can no longer teach the whole of physics. With this in mind Professor Mandl has written a book which allows great flexibility in its use; it enables readers to proceed by the quickest route to a particular topic, and it enables teachers to select courses differing in length, difficulty and choice of applications. The aim of the text is to explain critically the basic laws of statistical physics and to apply them to a wide range of interesting problems. A reader who has mastered this book should have no difficulties with one of the more advanced treatises or with tackling quite realistic problems. Two substantial improvements have been incorporated into this second edition - firstly much greater prominence has been given to the Gibbs distribution, and secondly the treatment of magnetic work has been completely revised. |
Contents
THE SECOND LAW OF THERMODYNAMICS I | 31 |
THE SECOND LAW OF THERMODYNAMICS II | 83 |
SIMPLE THERMODYNAMIC SYSTEMS | 115 |
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adiabatic atoms bath at temperature black-body radiation Boltzmann bosons calculate capacity at constant Chapter chemical potential classical gas consider constant pressure constant volume corresponding crystal curve defined degrees of freedom density depends derive dipoles discussion Einstein energy levels entropy entropy change equation equipartition theorem example expression extensive quantity factor fermions fluctuations follows from Eq frequency gases Gibbs free energy given by Eq grand partition function heat bath helium Helmholtz free energy Hence independent integral interaction isolated system isothermal kinetic energy lattice liquid low temperatures macroscopic system magnetic field magnetic moment mean occupation number microstates molecules momentum motion N₁ number of particles obtain paramagnetic particle number partition function perfect classical gas perfect gas phase space photon piston problem properties quantum reaction result rotational section 2.5 shown in Fig single-particle solid spin theory thermodynamic values vapour pressure variables velocity vibrational waves zero Zint ӘР