Statistical Mechanics

By R.K. Pathria, Paul D. Beale, Pathria, R. K. Pathria, R. K.

Book Overview

'This is an excellent book from which to learn the methods and results of statistical mechanics.' Nature 'A well written graduate-level text for scientists and engineers... Highly recommended for graduate-level libraries.' ChoiceThis highly successful text, which first appeared in the year 1972 and has continued to be popular ever since, has now been brought up-to-date by incorporating the remarkable developments in the field of 'phase transitions and critical phenomena' that took place over the intervening years. This has been done by adding three new chapters (comprising over 150 pages and containing over 60 homework problems) which should enhance the usefulness of the book for both students and instructors. We trust that this classic text, which has been widely acclaimed for its clean derivations and clear explanations, will continue to provide further generations of students a sound training in the methods of statistical physics.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0750624698
• ISBN13: 9780750624695
• Release Date: August 1996
• Publisher: Butterworth-Heinemann
• Length: 544 Pages
• Weight: 1.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.5" x 1.3" x 6.3"

Customer Reviews

Lucid

This is an excellent introduction to statistical mechanics. Pathria is a physicist and the topics covered have a definite physics flavor (Bose and Fermi systems), which chemical engineers or chemists may not find engaging. However, the introductory material on the theory of ensembles (chapters 1-4) is excellent, does not require special background in physics, and is presented from multiple perspectives that help clarify concepts. I recommend Pathria as one of the most lucidly written introductory texts on stat mech. The historical development of statistical physics (in the introduction) is an added bonus. I have used this book as a resource, not as a standalone text, but keep in mind that if you are trying to learn stat mech on your own, you should be prepared to work with multiple sources. (Review based on the first edition of the book, reprinted 1982.)

Very complete

This is a good book for the graduate level student. It has discussions of many fine points that are glossed over in other books. It made me understand the importance of statistical mechanics.

Excellent Stat Mech Resource

I found this book to be incredibly lucid, especially in the sections about quantum statistics. Pathria actually taught my class and did acknowledge some of the archaic solutions one of the other reviewers mentioned. Despite this, however, I still felt the material was well organized and well presented. Excellent bedtime reading material!

Excellent graduate-level book.

A carefully prepared book, extremely meticulous in the logical stucture of statistical mechanics. It contains interesting introductions to a few topics of current research.

Excellent resource for graduate student!

A well written advanced text for graduate students and researchers. Perfect alternative to "Landau & Lifschitz" and other boring stuff.