Provides engineers with the knowledge they need to apply thermodynamics and solve engineering challenges at the molecular level.

Presenting the key principles of thermodynamics from a microscopic point of view, this book provides engineers with the knowledge they need to apply thermodynamics and solve engineering challenges at the molecular level. It clearly explains the concepts of entropy and free energy, emphasizing key ideas used in equilibrium applications, whilst stochastic processes, such as stochastic reaction kinetics, are also covered. It provides a classical microscopic interpretation of thermodynamic properties, which is key for engineers, rather than focusing on more esoteric concepts of statistical mechanics and quantum mechanics. Coverage of molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo simulations as natural extensions of the theoretical treatment of statistical thermodynamics is also included, teaching readers how to use computer simulations and thus enabling them to understand and engineer the microcosm. Featuring many worked examples and over 100 end-of-chapter exercises, it is ideal for use in the classroom as well as for self-study.

This book presents both the fundamentals and the major research topics in statistical physics of systems out of equilibrium. It summarizes different approaches to describe such systems on the thermodynamic and stochastic levels, and discusses a variety of areas including reactions, anomalous kinetics, and the behavior of self-propelling particles.

Statistical Mechanics, Kinetic Theory, and Stochastic Processes presents the statistical aspects of physics as a "living and dynamic" subject. In order to provide an elementary introduction to kinetic theory, physical systems in which particle-particle interaction can be neglected are considered. Transport phenomena in the free-molecular flow region for gases and the transport of thermal radiation are discussed. Discrete random processes such as random walk, binomial and Poisson distributions, and throwing of dice are studied by means of the characteristic function. Comprised of 11 chapters, this book begins with an introduction to the mass point gas as well as some elementary properties of space and velocity distributions. The discussion then turns to radiation and its interaction with an atom; probability, statistics, and conditional probability; intermolecular interactions; transport phenomena; and statistical thermodynamics. Molecular systems at low densities are also considered, together with non-ideal and real gases; liquids and solids; and stochastic processes, noise, and fluctuations. In particular, the response of atoms and molecules to perturbations and scattering by crystals, liquids, and high-pressure gases are examined. This monograph will be useful for undergraduate students, practitioners, and researchers in physics.

Learn classical thermodynamics alongside statistical mechanics and how macroscopic and microscopic ideas interweave with this fresh approach to the subjects.

"Presenting the key principles of thermodynamics from a microscopic point of view, this book provides engineers with the knowledge they need to apply thermodynamics and solve engineering challenges at the molecular level. It clearly explains the concerns of entropy and free energy, emphasising key concepts used in equilibrium applications, whilst stochastic processes, such as stochastic reaction kinetics, are also covered. It provides a classical microscopic interpretation of thermodynamic concepts which is key for engineers, rather than focusing on more esoteric concepts of statistical thermodynamics and quantum mechanics. Coverage of molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo simulations as natural extensions of the theoretical treatment of statistical thermodynamics is also included, teaching readers how to use computer simulations and thus enabling them to understand and engineer the microcosm. Featuring many worked examples and over 100 end-of-chapter exercises, it is ideal for use in the classroom as well as for self-study"--

Statistical thermodynamics plays a vital linking role between quantum theory and chemical thermodynamics, yet students often find the subject unpalatable.In this updated version of a popular text, the authors overcome this by emphasising the concepts involved, in particular demystifying the partition function. They do not get bogged down in the mathematical niceties that are essential for a profound study of the subject but which can confuse the beginner. Strong emphasis is placed on the physical basis of statistical thermodynamics and the relations with experiment. After a clear exposition of the distribution laws, partition functions, heat capacities, chemical equilibria and kinetics, the subject is further illuminated by a discussion of low-temperature phenomena and spectroscopy. The coverage is brought right up to date with a chapter on computer simulation and a final section which ranges beyond the narrow limits usually associated with student texts to emphasise the common dependence of macroscopic behaviour on the properties of constituent atoms and molecules.Since first published in 1974 as ‘Entropy and Energy Levels’, the book has been very popular with students. This revised and updated version will no doubt serve the same needs.