An Introduction to Statistical Thermodynamics (Dover Books on Physics) [Paperback]

Terrell L. Hill (Author), Physics (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0486652424 | ISBN-13: 978-0486652429 | Publication Date: January 1, 1987

Part I deals with principles of quantum statistical mechanics. Part II examines systems composed of independent molecules or other independent subsystems. Part III considers systems of interacting molecules, and Part IV covers quantum statistics and includes sections on Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein statistics, photon gas, and free-volume theories of quantum liquids.

Product Details

• Paperback: 544 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications (January 1, 1987)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486652424
• ISBN-13: 978-0486652429
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #81,364 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #47 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Chemistry > Physical & Theoretical

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Reliable Treatise, May 12, 2004

By 

Jason Dejoannis (Boston) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: An Introduction to Statistical Thermodynamics (Dover Books on Physics) (Paperback)

Written in 1960 and revised in 1986 this is a general treatise on
stat-thermo in the tradition of Tolman and McQuarrie. I have a well
used copy on my desk, bought originally as a textbook for a graduate
course - probably the cheapest textbook I ever bought at $12.95.

The first chapter derives the ensembles from the quantum perspective.
This has the advantage of generality and the disadvantage that
it requires some rudimentary knowledge of quanta and is less
expedient for the scientist who is only concerned with classical
stat-mech.

Once the foundations are laid, the book is divided into
applications to non-interacting and interacting systems. In the
latter category is the virial expansion for imperfect gases. This
derivation makes an unnecessary effort to introduce a relative
activity. The derivation in Jackson's book is more transparent
and shorter without sacrificing rigor. The Mayer expansion for
hard spheres is treated in useful detail.

Chapter 18 includes a good description of the Debye-Hueckel theory
of electrolytes. The derivation of the Flory-Huggins theory of
polymer solutions in Chapter 21 is excellent - more concise and
effortless than all others that I have seen. Chapter 14 covers the
solution of the one-dimensional Ising magnet but I still have trouble
understanding this one. The appendices are useful and include
the maximum term method and method of undetermined multipliers
which are the cornerstone of the fundamental theorems.

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Old, but a good place to begin for a novice., September 9, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: An Introduction to Statistical Thermodynamics (Dover Books on Physics) (Paperback)

Twenty five years since I've seen a classroom. I had a burning desire to pick up where I left off. What I needed was a good introduction but I could not find my "Elements of Statistical Thermodynamics" by K. Nash (an excellent little book). So I tried Chandler's book, modern but not a beginners text. For the true beginner, I'd suggest "Intro. To Thermophysics by Espinola, WCB (c) 1994". After Espinola, go to Hill's book a great bridge at a bargin before going to Chandler. Hill's style is clear but examples are given a condensed treatment. Not a problem solving book, but a good book if physical understanding and a bridge forward is your goal.

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars No better place to start with Stat Mech, July 5, 2000

By 

Ernest Boehm (Des Plaines, IL United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: An Introduction to Statistical Thermodynamics (Dover Books on Physics) (Paperback)

If you are intrested with studing statistical mechanics then start here. Hill starts from the defintions and postulates of thermodynamics and then moves into applications and problems. You will need to understand Diff EQ for this book.

The first chapter took me a week to read and work out the math but then I red the rest in 4 weeks. It is a hard start because Hill develops your background before starting with applications of the theory. I really began to grasp the subject after reading this book. Ohter books will not lay the mathout as well as Hill does. It is a hard read because Hill is so thorough, but the rewasd is well worth the struggle. It is a great introduction and I suggest all of Hill's Stat mech book. Another great bargin from DOVER PRESS.

At the price I recomend it to all graduate chemical engineers and chemists