Table of Contents

Part 1: General principle.- Kinetic theory of gas molecules.- A model of the ideal gas.- Spatial distribution of molecules and fluctuation.- Velocity distribution of molecules.- Pressure of the ideal gas.- Maxwell distribution.- Entropy.- Micro-canonical distribution number of states and density of states.- Condition of thermal equilibrium and derivative of the entropy.- Partition function and free energy.- Canonical distribution.- Grand canonical distribution.- Partition function.- Free energy.- Internal energy.- Part 2: Applications.- Ideal gas.- Quantum mechanics of gas molecules.- Phase space and number of states.- Entropy of the ideal gas.- Pressure of the ideal gas by quantum mechanics.- Temperature and pressure by statistical mechanics.- Partition function of the ideal gas.- Two-atom molecules.- Specific heat of a solid and black body radiation.- Einstein model.- Debye model.- Black body radiation.- Elasticity of rubber.- Magnet.- Ferromagnet.- Statistical mechanics of free spin.- Phase transition described by mean field theory.- One-dimensional Ising model.- Part 3: Thermodynamics.- Laws of thermodynamics.- Air-conditioner and Engine.- Irreversible process and non-equilibrium states.- Heat and work – the first law.- Reversible process.- The second law.- Principle of air-conditioner and engine.- Coexistence of two phases.

Reviews

From the reviews: "Yoshioka (Univ. of Tokyo) offers an introduction to statistical physics with an emphasis on macroscopic relations. … Yoshioka writes well, and students will derive a great deal from this text. It might work well as a course supplement of for someone who wants a good introduction to macroscopic studies. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates." (E. Kincanon, CHOICE, Vol. 44 (10), June, 2007) "The book is intended as a textbook for undergraduate students, and it is divided into three parts. The first part is devoted to general principles, the second part to elementary investigators and the third part to more advanced topics. … Finally, the appendix summarizes some mathematical facts used in this book." (Christina Papenfuß, Zentralblatt MATH, Vol. 1129 (7), 2008) "This accessible text provides a comprehensive and self-contained introduction to the basics of statistical physics for equilibrium states at a level suitable for beginning undergraduate students with no pre-knowledge of statistical physics. … The beginning student will appreciate the clear and lucid presentation of the subjects discussed. At the end of each chapter problems are given. The book may also serve as a useful guide for teachers of statistical physics." (Oliver Rudolph, Mathematical Reviews, Issue 2009 d)