Statistical and Thermal Physics: With Computer Applications

(Hardback)

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Description

Intended for upper-level undergraduate courses, this book discusses the techniques of statistical and thermal physics. It outlines the relation between the macroscopic and microscopic worlds, and presents thermodynamic reasoning as an independent way of thinking about macroscopic systems. It also introduces probability concepts and techniques.

Reviews

"Typically ... students need broad exposure to a subject, as well as specific "handles" to grasp. They need the step-by-step approach this book supplies. They need to experience the pleasure of unfolding a calculable model and of executing a computation that does what it is supposed to do. Many students, younger and older, will find the way Gould and Tobochnik's text satisfies these needs just about perfect."--Don S. Lemons, American Journal of Physics "[A] remarkable textbook, Statistical and Thermal Physics ... is sure to rapidly become a classic in this field. As opposed to some textbooks, that expose and develop the two disciplines in tandem, Gould and Tobochnik discuss Thermodynamics first and only then broach the subject of Statistical Mechanics, minimizing the confusion that arises from shifting back and forth between the two main story lines."--Daniel ben-Avraham, Journal of Statistical Physics

Author Bio

Harvey Gould is Professor of Physics at Clark University and Associate Editor of the "American Journal of Physics". Jan Tobochnik is the Dow Distinguished Professor of Natural Science at Kalamazoo College and Editor of the "American Journal of Physics". They are the coauthors, with Wolfgang Christian, of "An Introduction to Computer Simulation Methods: Applications to Physical Systems".