This text developed from materials the author has used in a one-semester course on elementary statistical mechanics. It assumes readers have had courses in calculus and physical chemistry. Its purpose is not only to give students a deeper understanding of thermodynamics and the principles of equilibrium statistical mechanics, but also to introduce them to the modern topics of Monte Carlo sampling, renormalization group theory, and the fluctuation-dissipation theorem. By frequent use of simplified models, the author has kept the mathematics in the text relatively simple while presenting many of the sophisticated ideas in the field. His approach is to deal first with macroscopic thermodynamics, then with microscopic statistical principles. The Second Law of Thermodynamics appears as the direct consequence of the statistical assumption that microscopic equilibrium is the state of greatest randomness. The different ensembles and the role of fluctuations are treated before non-interacting ideal systems and phase transformations are discussed. The treatment of phase transitions relies on the Ising model, which is also used to explain the Monte Carlo method.
The last two chapters deal with equilibrium statistical mechanics of classical fluids and with dynamics, that is, relaxation an molecular motion in macroscopic systems which are at or close to equilibrium. This is a forward-looking text suitable for use by advanced undergraduate or beginning graduate students of chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering and physics.
Industry Reviews
"The exposition is very clear, and although elementary, this book is an example of a text which requires a large degree of reader participation. . . . People teaching modern statistical physics will like the book and those who prefer a more traditional approach will be pleasantly surprised to see a new way in which all traditional subjects can be included in a textbook, so it can be a valuable tool in teaching any course of statistical physics."
--Mathematical Reviews
"There is clearly a strong case for any textbook which seeks to provide a continuous thread from tradition to modernity. Chandler's book seems to be the first attempt at such a task....Suitable for undergraduates and first-year graduate students, [it] aims to provide an introduction to modern concepts and techniques in statistical mechanics without presupposing an undue degree of previous exposure to the subject. I strongly suspect that this book will prove
popular with students and teachers alike."--The Times Higher Education Supplement
"Exactly what I was looking for. I will also use this in my graduate course."--Greg H. Zimmerman, Tennessee State University
"An excellent introduction emphasizing major modern topics such as Monte Carlo sampling, renormalization groups. and the fluctuation-dissipation theorem." --American Mathematical Monthly
"The text is clear and spare and addresses the latest developments in statistical mechanics in a manner an undergraduate could readily understand." --New Scientist
"A refreshing, lucid and much-needed textbook in an area which remains inaccessible to many students."--G. P. Matthews, Plymouth Polytechnic, England
"Chandler's book gives an excellent introduction to statistical mechanics, and is highly recommended to any student majoring in physics or chemistry." --SIAM Review
"The book is highly recommended for the excellent discussions that it contains." --American Scientist
"A breezy and enthusiastic guide with quite solid content. All in all this is an outstanding job." --Physics Today
"This is a book which pleases in many ways. The author's style is engaging, the questions sprinkled throughout the whole book are both entertaining and interesting." --Education in Chemistry
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