This graduate-level textbook on thermal physics covers classical thermodynamics, statistical mechanics and its applications. It describes theoretical methods to calculate thermodynamic properties, such as the equation of state, specific heat, Helmholtz free energy, magnetic susceptibility and phase transitions of macroscopic systems. In addition to the more standard material covered, this book also describes powerful techniques, which are not found elsewhere, to determine the correlation effects on which the thermodynamic properties are based. Particular emphasis is given to the cluster variation method and a novel formulation is developed for its expression in terms of correlation functions. Although a basic knowledge of quantum mechanics is required, the mathematical formulations are accessible and entirely self-contained. The book will therefore constitute an ideal companion text for graduate students studying courses on the theory of complex analysis, classical mechanics, classical electrodynamics, and quantum mechanics.

A graduate-level textbook on thermal physics covering classical thermodynamics, statistical mechanics and its applications.
Reviews
'Each chapter in the book ends with challenging exercises for the student. The mathematics are set out clearly with a type that is clear, in a font that is easily read.' Contemporary Physics



Book Information
ISBN 9780521589581
Author Tomoyasu Tanaka
Format Paperback
Page Count 312
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 500g
Dimensions(mm) 244mm * 170mm * 17mm