The Principles of Statistical Mechanics (Dover Books on Physics)

Book Details

• Author: Richard C. Tolman

• Publisher: Dover

• Language: English

• Edition: New

• ISBN: 9780486638966

• Pages: 704

• Cover: Paperback

• Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.5 x 1.7 inches

• Weight: Not provided

About the Book

The Principles of Statistical Mechanics by Richard C. Tolman is widely regarded as the definitive work on statistical mechanics, offering both a comprehensive and accessible treatment of this fundamental area of physics. A classic in the field, this book has been revered by generations of students and scholars since its publication, serving as both an essential resource and a historical cornerstone for the study of statistical mechanics.

Tolman expertly weaves together classical and quantum statistical mechanics, providing a clear and thorough exposition of the subject. The book starts with the classical foundation, covering essential topics such as Hamilton's principle, the Lagrangian function, canonical equations of motion, and the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution law. Following this, Tolman delves into the quantum mechanical perspective, explaining the fundamental postulates, transformation theory, and the key statistical ensembles, including the Maxwell-Boltzmann, Einstein-Bose, and Fermi-Dirac distributions.

In the final chapters, Tolman masterfully applies statistical mechanics to explore the phenomena of thermodynamic behavior, providing a mechanical explanation for key thermodynamic principles. What makes this work stand out is its combination of rigor and accessibility—Tolman’s self-contained treatment of quantum mechanics is essentially an entire book within a book, making it an invaluable resource for students of all levels.

A truly authoritative text, The Principles of Statistical Mechanics remains as relevant today as it was when first published, offering readers timeless insights into the core principles that underpin much of contemporary physics. Whether you're a student seeking a deeper understanding of statistical mechanics or a scholar looking for a well-crafted reference, this book is a must-have for any library.