Introduction to Modern Statistical Mechanics

Leading physical chemist David Chandler takes a new approach to statistical mechanics to provide the only introductory-level work on the modern topics of renormalization group theory, Monte Carlo simulations, time correlation functions, and liquid structure. The author provides compact summaries of the fundamentals of this branch of physics and discussions of many of its traditional elementary applications, interspersed with over 150 exercises and microcomputer programs.A solutions manual for this text is available with ISBN: 9780195058895.

Table of Contents:
Chapter 1: Thermodynamics, Fundamentals First Law of Thermodynamics Second Law Variational Statement of Second Law Application: Thermal Equilibrium and Temperature Auxiliary Functions and Legendre Transforms Maxwell Relations Extensive Functions and the Gibbs-Duhem Equation Intensive Functions Chapter 2: Conditions for Equilibrium and Stability Multiphase Equilibrium Stability Application to Phase Equilibria Plane Interfaces Chapter 3: Statistical Mechanics The Statistical Method and Ensembles Microcanonical Ensemble and the Rational Foundation of Thermodynamics Canonical Ensemble A Simple Example Generalized Ensembles and the Gibbs Entropy Formula Fluctuations Involving Uncorrelated Particles Alternative Development of Equilibrium Distribution Functions Chapter 4: Non-Interacting (Ideal) Systems Occupation Numbers Photon Gas Phonon Gas Ideal Gases of Real Particles Electrons in Metals Classical Ideal Gases, the Classical Limit Thermodynamics of an Ideal Gas of Structureless Classical Particles A Dilute Gas of Atoms A Dilute Gas of Diatomic Molecules Chemical Equilibria in Gases Chapter 5: Statistical Mechanical Theory of Phase Transitions Ising Model Lattice Gas Broken Symmetry and Range of Correlations Mean Field Theory Variational Treatment of Mean Field Theory Renormalization Group (RG) Theory RG Theory for the Two Dimensional Ising Model Isomorphism Between Two-Level Quantum Mechanical System and the Ising Model Chapter 6: Monte Carlo Method in Statistical Mechanics Trajectories A Monte Carlo Trajectory Non-Boltzmann Sampling Quantum Monte Carlo Chapter 7: Classical Fluids Averages in Phase Space Reduced Configurational Distribution Functions Reversible Work Theorem Thermodynamic Properties from g(r) Measurement of g(r) by Diffraction Solvation and Chemical Equilibrium in Liquids Molecular Liquids Monte Carlo for Hard Disks Chapter 8: Statistical Mechanics of Non-Equilibrium Systems Systems Close to Equilibrium Onsager's Regression Hypothesis and Time Correlation Functions Application: Chemical Kinetics Another Application: Self Diffusion Fluctuation Dissipation Theorem Response Functions Absorption Friction and the Langevin Equation

Review :
"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