Fundamentals of Statistical and Thermal Physics

by Frederick Reif

All macroscopic systems consist ultimately of atoms obeying the laws of quantum mechanics. That premise forms the basis for this comprehensive text, intended for a first upper-level course in statistical and thermal physics. Reif emphasizes that the combination of microscopic concepts with some statistical postulates leads readily to conclusions on a purely macroscopic level. The author s writing style and penchant for description energize interest in condensed matter physics as well as provide a conceptual grounding with information that is crystal clear and memorable. Reif first introduces basic probability concepts and statistical methods used throughout all of physics. Statistical ideas are then applied to systems of particles in equilibrium to enhance an understanding of the basic notions of statistical mechanics, from which derive the purely macroscopic general statements of thermodynamics. Next, he turns to the more complicated equilibrium situations, such as phase transformations and quantum gases, before discussing nonequilibrium situations in which he treats transport theory and dilute gases at varying levels of sophistication. In the last chapter, he addresses some general questions involving irreversible processes and fluctuations. A large amount of material is presented to facilitate students later access to more advanced works, to allow those with higher levels of curiosity to read beyond the minimum given on a topic, and to enhance understanding by presenting several ways of looking at a particular question. Formatting within the text either signals material that instructors can assign at their own discretion or highlights important results for easy reference to them. Additionally, by solving many of the 230 problems contained in the text, students activate and embed their knowledge of the subject matter.

Genres: Physics, Textbooks, Science, Nonfiction, Reference, Mathematics, Stem

651 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1987

Reviews

[Mohamed]

لله در هذا الكتاب , كتاب يذكرنا بزمن الفيزياء الجميل
كنت اقرأ هذا المساء الورقة التي نشرها اينشتاين والتي فسر بها فى عام 1917 الphotoelectric effect
او التأثير الكهرضوئي وهو يستخدم بها نفس الرموز وأسلوب الكتابة الذي يتبعه هذا الكتاب
هذا الكتاب له عدة طبعات ونحن نستخدم فى دراستنا الطبعة الأخيرة منه وهي من أيام خطابات عبد الناصر حول إلقاء أمريكا فى البحر ... الخ :D

تشعر بروح تراثية عميقة فى هذا الكتاب
وربنا يستر وافهم حاجة قبل الامتحان

[Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't believe how good this is and it's out of print. I mean, what's one to consult, Kardar? Gross...

[Dipesh · Rating 4 out of 5]

statistical mechanics-for when you get serious

[Pooja]

This is really good book for understand statistical mechanics

[Güney Tombak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though it is a respectful book, the usage of mathematics (especially in problems) are so random. Some parts of the book, key properties of the subjects are not clearly defined and most important one is Reif repeats himself surfeit. Still it is a good book, especially apendix is really useful but that would be not my first choice in order to learn Statistical Physics or Thermodynamics.

[Akshay Gupta · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit difficult language

[Lulu]

Statistical mechanics