From Microphysics to Macrophysics Methods and Applications of Statistical Physics

This text not only provides a thorough introduction to statistical physics and thermodynamics but also exhibits the universality of the chain of ideas that leads from the laws of microphysics to the macroscopic behaviour of matter. A wide range of applications teaches students how to make use of the concepts, and many exercises will help to deepen their understanding. Drawing on both quantum mechanics and classical physics, the book follows modern research in statistical physics. Volume I discusses in detail the probabilistic description of quantum or classical systems, the Boltzmann-Gibbs distributions, the conservation laws, and the interpretation of entropy as missing information. Thermodynamics and electromagnetism in matter are dealt with, as well as applications to gases, both dilute and condensed, and to phase transitions. This softcover edition of one of the classical texts published in the series Text and Monographs in Physics accomodates the many requests to make this widely used and often cited text available again.Balian, Roger is the author of 'From Microphysics to Macrophysics Methods and Applications of Statistical Physics', published 2007 under ISBN 9783540454694 and ISBN 3540454691.