Thermodynamics And Introductory Statistical Mechanics

In this clear and concise introduction to thermodynamics and statistical mechanics the reader, who will have some previous exposure to thermodynamics, will be guided through each of the two disciplines separately initially to provide an in-depth understanding of the area and thereafter the connection between the two is presented and discussed. In addition, mathematical techniques are introduced at appropriate times, highlighting such use as: exact and inexact differentials, partial derivatives, Caratheodory's theorem, Legendre transformation, and combinatory analysis. * Emphasis is placed equally on fundamentals and applications * Several problems are included

This text presents statistical mechanics and thermodynamics as a theoretically integrated field of study. It stresses deep coverage of fundamentals, providing a natural foundation for advanced topics. The large problem sets (with solutions for teachers) include many computational problems to advance student understanding.

Introductory Statistical Thermodynamics is a text for an introductory one-semester course in statistical thermodynamics for upper-level undergraduate and graduate students in physics and engineering. The book offers a high level of detail in derivations of all equations and results. This information is necessary for students to grasp difficult concepts in physics that are needed to move on to higher level courses. The text is elementary, self contained, and mathematically well-founded, containing a number of problems with detailed solutions to help students to grasp the more difficult theoretical concepts. Beginning chapters place an emphasis on quantum mechanics Includes problems with detailed solutions and a number of detailed theoretical derivations at the end of each chapter Provides a high level of detail in derivations of all equations and results

This textbook facilitates students’ ability to apply fundamental principles and concepts in classical thermodynamics to solve challenging problems relevant to industry and everyday life. It also introduces the reader to the fundamentals of statistical mechanics, including understanding how the microscopic properties of atoms and molecules, and their associated intermolecular interactions, can be accounted for to calculate various average properties of macroscopic systems. The author emphasizes application of the fundamental principles outlined above to the calculation of a variety of thermodynamic properties, to the estimation of conversion efficiencies for work production by heat interactions, and to the solution of practical thermodynamic problems related to the behavior of non-ideal pure fluids and fluid mixtures, including phase equilibria and chemical reaction equilibria. The book contains detailed solutions to many challenging sample problems in classical thermodynamics and statistical mechanics that will help the reader crystallize the material taught. Class-tested and perfected over 30 years of use by nine-time Best Teaching Award recipient Professor Daniel Blankschtein of the Department of Chemical Engineering at MIT, the book is ideal for students of Chemical and Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, and Materials Science, who will benefit greatly from in-depth discussions and pedagogical explanations of key concepts. Distills critical concepts, methods, and applications from leading full-length textbooks, along with the author’s own deep understanding of the material taught, into a concise yet rigorous graduate and advanced undergraduate text; Enriches the standard curriculum with succinct, problem-based learning strategies derived from the content of 50 lectures given over the years in the Department of Chemical Engineering at MIT; Reinforces concepts covered with detailed solutions to illuminating and challenging homework problems.

An introductory textbook using the statistical approach for covering classical and quantum statistics and classical thermodynamics, geared for undergraduates majoring in physics. Develops fundamental concepts carefully and deliberately. Frequent use is made of summaries, shaded for ease of identification and placed strategically throughout the text for first-time student involvement in concepts. Includes over 400 homework problems as an aid in student understanding.

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.

Suitable for advanced undergraduates and graduate students of physics, this uniquely comprehensive overview provides a rigorous, integrated treatment of physical principles and techniques related to gases, liquids, solids, and their phase transitions. 1975 edition.

This text offers an introduction to probability theory and distribution functions. The text might also be used for courses in solid state and material sciences offered by physics, chemistry and engineering departments.