Elements Of Statistical Thermodynamics

This concise, elementary treatment illustrates the ways in which an atomic-molecular perspective yields new insights and powers operative in the realms of macroscopic thermodynamics. Starting with an analysis of some very simple microcanonical ensembles, it proceeds to the Boltzmann distribution law and a systematic exploration of the proper formulation, evaluation, and application of partition functions. The concepts of equilibrium and entropy thus acquire new significance, and readers discover how thermodynamic parameters may be calculated from spectroscopic data. Encompassing virtually all of the forms of statistical mechanics customary to undergraduate physical chemistry books, this brief text requires prior acquaintance with only the rudiments of the calculus and a few of the simplest propositions of classical thermodynamics. Appropriate for introductory college chemistry courses, it further lends itself to use as a supplementary text for independent study by more advanced students.

This self-contained primer covers statistical thermodynamics in a rigorous yet approachable manner, making it the perfect text for undergraduates.

Four-part treatment covers principles of quantum statistical mechanics, systems composed of independent molecules or other independent subsystems, and systems of interacting molecules, concluding with a consideration of quantum statistics.

This textbook concerns thermal properties of bulk matter and is aimed at advanced undergraduate or first-year graduate students in a range of programs in science or engineering. It provides an intermediate level presentation of statistical thermodynamics for students in the physical sciences (chemistry, nanosciences, physics) or related areas of applied science/engineering (chemical engineering, materials science, nanotechnology engineering), as they are areas in which statistical mechanical concepts play important roles. The book enables students to utilize microscopic concepts to achieve a better understanding of macroscopic phenomena and to be able to apply these concepts to the types of sub-macroscopic systems encountered in areas of nanoscience and nanotechnology.