Book Description
This graduate-level book presents a self-contained exposition of fundamental topics in modern equilibrium and nonequilibrium statistical thermodynamics. The text follows a balanced approach between the macroscopic (thermodynamic) and microscopic (statistical) points of view. One notable feature is the large number of problems. Simple applications are given in 71 exercises, while more elaborate challenges are contained in 47 problems, some of which are useful for student projects.
Customer Reviews:
A worth-while advanced book........2006-10-12
This is an advanced book as stated at the end of the backcover. I think the reader should have a good background and read other stat mech books concurrently to achieve the materials in this one. Of course, this is not quite self-contained, since stat mech is a very vast and detailed subject, but it has some pros. Most of theorems therein are very rigorous so that one can check with other books and learn things in more general sense. Most of the topics are very well-explained and nicely illustrative, e.g. Fig.2.4 for the time-reversal invariance concerning the reversibility or irreversibility of the system. Furthermore, it explains the concept of the pair correlation function very well from p.128-135, whereas I didn't get very much from Plischke on this topic even though in that book there is an interesting topic not contained in this one, say perturbation treatment of the pair correlation, and it treats some topics such as dilute Bose gas and Superconductivity very well. I use Le Bellac to prepare lecture notes on graduate stat mech together with some other books like Kubo, Greiner,Plischke,etc. Though pretty old, Kubo is a great book that one can learn from the problems and solutions. Pathria treats almost all interesting areas but rarely goes into details , just quotes the journals. To be effective, use LeBellac togetrher with other textbook you can get along with, you'll find this book fantastic.
Disappointed.......2006-03-07
I do not recommend this book at all. It covers a lot of materials but only very briefly. The book simply lists basic concepts and DOES NOT develop them from a set of well defined principles. So, if you don't know the materials, this is NOT a book to learn them from. On the other hand, if you already know the materials, then, you'll see that their presentation lacks clarity. In short, this is a book written without a definite view point, and hence a well conceived structure.
Book Description
Statistical Physics I discusses the fundamentals of equilibrium statistical mechanics, focussing on basic physical aspects. No previous knowledge of thermodynamics or the molecular theory of gases is assumed. Illustrative examples based on simple materials and photon systems elucidate the central ideas and methods.
Customer Reviews:
Good on stochastic processes.......2003-05-27
This text provides a good, readable introduction to Markov processes, including Fokker-Planck equations, from the standpoint of typical physical examples. A weakness is that (by only mentioning and not developing Ito calculus) the book does not make it clear to the reader that most stochastic processes are nonstationary. This is important: today, we are interested in far from equilibrium dynamics, much less so in dynamics near equilibrium where the fluctuation-dissipation theorem holds. On the other hand, the standard financial math texts (Baxter and Rennie, Steele, ...) do us no service in this direction either. The book goes beyond the older reference by Wax, which is still a very good introduction to Markov processes. In any case, no existing reference treats the general case of a space-time-dependent diffusion coefficient adequately, the case of most interest for the dynamics of financial markets. Now for details of the weak spots.
There are two mistakes on pages 65-68. The discussion is based on the sde dx=-R(x)dt+D(x,t)^1/2dB(t) where B(t) is a Wiener process. First, it is claimed that the random force D(x,t)^1/2dB is Gaussian with a white spectrum. In general, the random force is not even stationary unless D is independent of x. The unstated assumption is that the random force is always stationary, so that with R(x)
<0 there is an approach to equilibrium. When the diffusion coefficient depends on x (or more generally on (x,t)) then there is no approach to equilibrium for the case of unbounded x even with R
<0, as the lognormal model of standard finance theory so vividly shows. Second, even if an equilibrium solution of the corresponding Fokker-Planck equation 'exists', it cannot be reached dynamically when the force is nonstationary. Again, the lognormal model illustrates this point. Arguments (typical in economics) that an equilibrium solution 'exists' are meaningless are useless if the dynamics can't approach that solution.
The best book on Statistical Mechanics.......2000-03-26
Statistical Mechanics (1&2) by Toda and Kubo is the best textbook on statistical mechanics I've read. This book has some material such as Linear response theory(in vol 2), ergotic problems(in vol 1) which is difficult to find in other ones. I like the way the author write in linear response part. It is beautiful.
The best book on Statistical Mechanics.......2000-03-26
Statistical Mechanics (1&2) by Toda and Kubo is the best textbook on statistical mechanics I've read. This book has some material such as Linear response theory(in vol 2), ergotic problems(in vol 1) which is difficult to find in other ones. I like the way the author write in linear response part. It is beautiful.
Book Description
Classic monograph treats the irreversible processes and phenomena of thermodynamics: non-equilibrium thermodynamics. Covers statistical foundations and applications of the field with special chapters on fluctuation theory, theory of stochastic processes, kinetic theory of gases, derivation of the Onsager reciprocal relations, more. 4 black-and-white illustrations.
Customer Reviews:
Solid, comprehensive.......1999-12-10
Systematic and comprehensive introduction to linear non-equilibrium thermodynamics. After an extensive description of the fundamentals, a variety of examples is given. As the authors indicate in their preface, the book only deals with linear NET, which means that the more exciting modern examples of non-linear NET are not covered. This does not mean, however, that this book would be obsolete; a lot of physics happens to be linear, and the classics of linear NET (Wiener-Khinchine, Onsager) are certainly worth studying. I would even say, that linear NET should first be appreciated before venturing in the more modern aspect of non-linear NET.
A classic reference text.......1999-04-22
Not meant as a modern textbook, but highly useful for anyone who's already somewhat familiar with N.E.T. This book has a certain historical value, and it is rather obligatory for people who work with N.E.T. and/or are highly interested in it. Mathematically, it is quite rigorous. Knowledge of fluid dynamics, tensor calculus and other rather advanced mathematical concepts is definitely helpful, but not outright necessary.
You will find the title of this book in many 'further reading' lists. That alone is proof enough that this is a book worth having.
Book Description
Originally Part II of Physical Chemistry, Second Edition, and now published as its own volume, Matter in Equilibrium: Statistical Mechanics and Thermodynamics simultaneously develops the statistical molecular theory and the classical thermodynamic theory of the bulk properties of matter in a mutually reinforcing fashion. Despite presenting both a microscopic and macroscopic approach, this sophisticated text offers a rigorous treatment of classical thermodynamics and allows professors to separate the two theories if desired. Packed with tables, graphs, and figures, it describes the equilibrium properties of bulk matter and develops the tools needed to study gases, solids, liquids, phase transformations, solutions of nonelectrolytes, and solutions of electrolytes. The book makes extensive use of computer simulations of molecular behavior and, where appropriate, uses experimental data to illustrate concepts and principles. Ideal for advanced undergraduate and beginning graduate level courses, Matter in Equilibrium broadens and challenges student perspectives while offering valuable information to researchers.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent book........2007-09-22
This book is fantastic and is part of a 3 volume series. Ideal for the undergraduate and graduate student in engineering, physics, chemistry, and math. Concise and easy to read.
Book Description
Reissued in the Cambridge Mathematical Library, this classic book outlines the theory of thermodynamic formalism which was developed to describe the properties of certain physical systems consisting of a large number of subunits. Background material on physics has been collected in appendices to help the reader. Supplementary work is provided in the form of exercises and problems that were "open" at the original time of writing.
Customer Reviews:
The Mathematics of Thermodynamics.......2006-01-23
Rating a book like this is very difficult, because it's not like anything else. Thermodynamic Formalism is a book on the mathematical analysis of statistical thermodynamics, and its very dense. By "mathematical analysis" I mean the logical derivation of relationships of symbols from abstract definitions. Therefore, if you can show any subject matches the definitions, all the remaining results hold, whether the system is a gas, an economy, or a painting. Ruelle mentions early that this has been done in constructive quantum field theory and differential dynamical systems. There is no physics in the work, except to try to explain the symbols. It reads rather annoyingly like a poorly written homework set by an extremely clever graduate student.
That said, when you've figured out what's going on it's an rewarding book. This completely formal approach does give a complimentary perspective on the topics covered. In the end, though, this is a book on Gibbs ensembles and classical thermodynamics, not on Fermi or Bose quantum systems. I do not know what would be required to incorporate those, and how many results will still hold when the probability measures are changed.
Appendix B, Open Problems, presents topics that were unsolved at the time of publication of the first edition (of 1976) at least one for every chapter after the first, and Appendix D is an update for the second edition. This is a very nice touch. There are also simple problems at the end of every chapter so you can figure out how little you understand before you move on to the next chapter.
I work in (experimental) solid state physics and have some (not much) scholastic background in applied analysis at the graduate level, and still I had to spend an afternoon trying to figure out what the symbols meant (that is, how x|L should be read, not what it corresponded to in real life; that was step two of three). The book didn't get any easier. As interesting as the book is, I have to warn anyone without a very strong mathematical background away from this book, at least until he's worked through an analysis text of some kind.
Detailed, advanced and complete treatment........2005-06-17
Thermodynamic formalism is an area of mathematics developed to describe physical systems with a large number of components. A combination of advanced physics and mathematics, it is used to describe dynamic systems moving towards equilibrium and quantum mechanics applied to systems. The level of this book is advanced, generally the material would only be suitable for students at the graduate level. Exercises are given at the end of each chapter, although solutions are not provided. Additional background material on the necessary physics is included in a series of appendices.
The treatment of thermodynamic formalism is brief, detailed and complete. I strongly recommend the book as a textbook or study aid in that area.
Product Description
This book presents both the fundamentals and the major research topics in statistical physics of systems out of equilibrium. It summarizes different approaches to describe such systems on the thermodynamic and stochastic levels, and discusses a variety of areas including reactions, anomalous kinetics, and the behavior of self-propelling particles.
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Equilibrium Statistical Mechanics
Gene F. Mazenko
Manufacturer: Wiley-Interscience
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Fluctuations Order & Defects
ASIN: 0471328391 |
Book Description
A completely modern approach to statistical mechanics
Gene Mazenko presents an introduction to statistical mechanics from the modern condensed matter physics point of view. Emphasizing symmetry principles, conservation laws, and the consequences of broken symmetry, all of which are crucial to a fundamental understanding of statistical physics, this volume discusses the role of broken translational symmetry in treating solids.Professor Mazenko develops a firm basis for the choice of macrovariables or thermodynamic variables, stressing the importance of Nambu-Goldstone modes. He develops this theory beyond the usual examples of simple fluids with discussions of magnets, superfluids, and solids. Based on the author's more than 30 years of experience with this subject, Equilibrium Statistical Mechanics:
* Develops the structure of statistical mechanics and thermodynamics from fundamentals
* Highlights the approach of coarse graining in statistical mechanics
* Discusses ergodic theory and information theory
* Treats phase transitions in a number of specific applications
* Includes copious examples and end-of-chapter problems
* Gives full development to the rich history of this topic
Look for Mazenko's forthcoming volumes, Fluctuations, Order, and Defects; Nonequilibrium Statistical Mechanics; and Field Theory Methods in Statistical Mechanics. Combined with this self-contained volume, these works span the entire graduate-level program.
Customer Reviews:
Inconsistent.......2002-03-27
Although the discussions of the topics are usually clear and concise, this book is not well organized. Obvious lack of adequate editing aside (numerous typos, grammatical errors, mislabeled figures, etc.), many of the end-of-chapter problems are not really coherent with the way things are introduced in the particular chapter. A few problems require knowing stuff that is explained later in the book. The book alone, therefore, is not suitable for self-study.
It might make a good supplemental reading since the discussions themselves are pretty good. However, for an academic book like this one, it is also important to have a good index, and unfortunately it is not particularly useful either.
Overall, I think the problem about this book is editing, or lack thereof. Time will tell if the book stands as a course textbook, but unless a new edition comes out with some improvements, I do not see why we should choose this book over some other alternatives, such as Chandler.
Book Description
The completely revised new edition of the classical book on Statistical Mechanics covers the basic concepts of equilibrium and non-equilibrium statistical physics. In addition to a deductive approach to equilibrium statistics and thermodynamics based on a single hypothesis - the form of the microcanonical density matrix - this book treats the most important elements of non-equilibrium phenomena. Intermediate calculations are presented in complete detail. Problems at the end of each chapter help students to consolidate their understanding of the material. Beyond the fundamentals, this text demonstrates the breadth of the field and its great variety of applications. Modern areas such as renormalization group theory, percolation, stochastic equations of motion and their applications to critical dynamics, kinetic theories, as well as fundamental considerations of irreversibility, are discussed. The text will be useful for advanced students of physics and other natural sciences; a basic knowledge of quantum mechanics is presumed.
Customer Reviews:
This should be the canonical undergrad Stat Mech text.......2007-03-18
I took Stat Mech in my senior year of college, and the assigned text book was Reif's "Fundamentals of Statistical and Thermal Physics." I'm glad somebody recommended that I supplement my course with this one, because it's a far more thorough handling of the subject.
For one thing, it approaches statistical physics with a quantum mechanical point of view (Reif doesn't). This was immensely useful for my understanding of the subject since I'd already taken QM. It's also exceedingly easy to read - well laid out and with helpful diagrams. Sections are well labeled and organised, as are equations (yeah, LaTeX!). And the problems at the end of each section are numerous, and fun to do (you won't find the answers at the back, though).
As for the material itself, the entire book takes a deductive approach based on the form of the microcanonical density matrix. It's a beautifully simple albeit non-standard approach. In fact, the text is peppered with non-standard forms of many of the key equations, which are very interesting.
All in all, this is a very well written/translated, easy to understand introduction to statistical physics, with enough additional material to serve you beyond your first course with it.
holy bible of statistical mechanics.......2007-02-26
There are too many junky books on statistical mechanics, reading them is a waste of time. This book is extremly eleganlty writen, you will enjoy reading it.
cogent grad level text.......2004-11-29
I have found Schwabl's Statistical Mechanics to be an indispensible reference this semester even though it's not on the reading list for my stat mech course (intro graduate level). I should qualify that statement by saying that I've used it primarily for the Ch.6 on magnetism, and the Ch.4 on ideal quantum gases, and I have not looked at any of the exercises at the end of chapters so I cannot attest to their (non)usefulness.
The text is well made (LaTeX!) and full of illuminating diagrams. Other than a persistant occurence of the word "und" the translation from german seems to be flawless, and the notation seems pretty standard, consistent, and intuitive.
As for the presentation, it seems a bit eclectic. Not that I'm an expert, but Ch.1 is an extremely terse forray into some advanced concepts that are irrelevant until about Ch.3. It seems odd to bring up the microcanonical/grand canonical ensembles before the chapter on thermodynamics, but that could just be my bias due to the structure of the course I'm taking right now.
The Ch 8 on Brownian motion, the Fokker-Plank and Langevin eqns is not standard, but actually quite fascinating & I don't see why those topics are usually left for more advanced stat mech books.
In short, a great supplement! And to the professors out there, I would suggest at least mentioning the existence of this book.
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Statistical Dynamics: Matter Out of Equilibrium
Radu Balescu
Manufacturer: World Scientific Publishing Company
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Statistical Mechanics: Entropy, Order Parameters and Complexity (Oxford Master Series in Physics)
ASIN: 1860940463 |
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