Statistical physics and thermodynamics describe the behaviour of systems on the macroscopic scale. Their methods are applicable to a wide range of phenomena: from heat engines to chemical reactions, from the interior of stars to the melting of ice. Indeed, the laws of thermodynamics are among the
most universal ones of all laws of physics. Yet this subject can prove difficult to grasp. Many view thermodynamics as merely a collection of ad hoc recipes, or are confused by unfamiliar novel concepts, such as the entropy, which have little in common with the deterministic theories to which
students have got accustomed in other areas of physics.
This text provides a concise yet thorough introduction to the key concepts which underlie statistical physics and thermodynamics. It begins with a review of classical probability theory and quantum theory, as well as a careful
discussion of the notions of information and entropy, prior to embarking on the development of statistical physics proper. The crucial steps leading from the microscopic to the macroscopic domain are rendered transparent. In particular, the laws of thermodynamics are shown to emerge as natural
consequences of the statistical framework. While the emphasis is on clarifying the basic concepts, the text also contains a wealth of applications and classroom-tested exercises, covering all major topics of a standard course on statistical physics and thermodynamics.
1. Introduction
2. Quantum theory
3. Constructing the state
4. Simple systems
5. Thermodynamics limit
6. Perfect gas
7. Processes and responses
8. Phase transitions
References
Index
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Jochen Rau received degrees in physics and mathematics from Goethe University Frankfurt, University of Cambridge, and Duke University. He has taught theoretical physics at Goethe University Frankfurt and Ulm University, Germany, and is currently Professor of Mathematics at RheinMain University
of Applied Sciences, Germany.
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