States of MatterThis unique overview by a prominent CalTech physicist provides a modern, rigorous, and integrated treatment of the key physical principles and techniques related to gases, liquids, solids, and their phase transitions. No other single volume offers such comprehensive coverage of the subject, and the treatment consistently emphasizes areas in which research results are likely to be applicable to other disciples. Starting with a chapter on thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, the text proceeds to in-depth discussions of perfect gases, electrons in metals, Bose condensation, fluid structure, potential energy, Weiss molecular field theory, van der Waals equation, and other pertinent aspects of phase transitions. Many helpful illustrative problems appear at the end of each chapter, and annotated bibliographies offer further guidance. |
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amplitude approximation arguments atoms average basically behavior Bose gas Bridge diagrams Chap chemical potential classical cluster coefficients condensation configurations constant correlation critical point crystal curve define definite density depends diflerent discussed eflect electrons entropy equation equilibrium example excited factor Fermi filled find finite first fixed flow fluctuations fluid free energy gases give given heat capacity ideal gas infinite integral interaction ions lattice liquid helium magnetic field mass means metals modes momentum normal number of particles order parameter pair perfect gas phase space phase transition phonons plane positive possible pressure Prob problem properties quantity quantum mechanical quantum numbers result sample single-particle sketched in Fig solid solutions spin statistical mechanics subsystem superconducting superfluid surface temperature theory thermal thermodynamic unit cell vapor variables vector velocity volume vortex ring wave function write zero zone boundary