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STATISTICAL MECHANICS
From First Principles to Macroscopic Phenomena
Based on the author’s graduate course taught over many years in several physics
departments, this book takes a “reductionist” view of statistical mechanics, while
describing the main ideas and methods underlying its applications. It implicitly
assumes that the physics of complex systems as observed is connected to funda-
mental physical laws represented at the molecular level by Newtonian mechanics or
quantum mechanics. Organized into three parts, the first section describes the fun-
damental principles of equilibrium statistical mechanics. The next section describes
applications to phases of increasing density and order: gases, liquids and solids;
it also treats phase transitions. The final section deals with dynamics, including a
careful account of hydrodynamic theories and linear response theory.
This original approach to statistical mechanics is suitable for a 1-year graduate
course for physicists, chemists, and chemical engineers. Problems are included
following each chapter, with solutions to selected problems provided.
J. Woods Halley is Professor of Physics at the School of Physics and Astro-
nomy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.
