This book provides the most comprehensive presentation of the basics of statistical physics. The book also features applications to quantum dynamics, thermodynamics, Ising model and statistical dynamics of free spins.

A macroscopic system consists of a tremendous number of microscopic atoms and molecules. In thermal equilibrium the state of such a system is uniquely defined, despite the fact that the microscopic particles behave quite randomly. This observation gives rise to the fundamental law of the statistical physics; it allows entropy to be defined and a framework for the theory to be constructed.

The first part of this book explains the essence of statistical physics without going into details such as Liouville's theorem or ergodic theorem, which are difficult for beginners and unnecessary for actual application of the statistical mechanics. In the second part, statistical mechanics ís applied to various systems which look different but have the same mathematical structure. In this way readers can deepen their understanding of statistical physics.

Most comprehensive presentation of the basics of statistical physics Also featuring applications to quantum dynamics, thermodynamics, Ising model and statistical dynamics of free spins Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras

Inhalt
Part 1: General principle.- Kinetic theory of gas molecules.- A model of the ideal gas.- Spatial distribution of molecules and fluctuation.- Velocity distribution of molecules.- Pressure of the ideal gas.- Maxwell distribution.- Entropy.- Micro-canonical distribution number of states and density of states.- Condition of thermal equilibrium and derivative of the entropy.- Partition function and free energy.- Canonical distribution.- Grand canonical distribution.- Partition function.- Free energy.- Internal energy.- Part 2: Applications.- Ideal gas.- Quantum mechanics of gas molecules.- Phase space and number of states.- Entropy of the ideal gas.- Pressure of the ideal gas by quantum mechanics.- Temperature and pressure by statistical mechanics.- Partition function of the ideal gas.- Two-atom molecules.- Specific heat of a solid and black body radiation.- Einstein model.- Debye model.- Black body radiation.- Elasticity of rubber.- Magnet.- Ferromagnet.- Statistical mechanics of free spin.- Phase transition described by mean field theory.- One-dimensional Ising model.- Part 3: Thermodynamics.- Laws of thermodynamics.- Air-conditioner and Engine.- Irreversible process and non-equilibrium states.- Heat and work the first law.- Reversible process.- The second law.- Principle of air-conditioner and engine.- Coexistence of two phases.