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From Microphysics to Macrophysics

Methods and Applications of Statistical Physics

  • Textbook
  • © 1991

Overview

Authors:
  1. Roger Balian

    1. CEA, Direction des Sciences de la Matière, Service de Physique Théorique de Saclay, F-91191 Gif-sur-Yvette, France and Ecole Polytechnique, Palaiseau, France

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  • Classical often requested text made available again as softcover
  • Textbook for courses on statistical physics and thermodynamics
  • Wide range of applications
  • Volume I of 2 volume book

Part of the book series: Theoretical and Mathematical Physics (TMP)

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Table of contents (10 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages I-XXII
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  2. Introduction

    • Roger Balian
    Pages 1-13

  3. Paramagnetism of Ionic Solids

    • Roger Balian
    Pages 15-48

  4. Probabilistic Description of Systems

    • Roger Balian
    Pages 49-99

  5. Information Theory and Statistical Entropy

    • Roger Balian
    Pages 101-140

  6. The Boltzmann-Gibbs Distribution

    • Roger Balian
    Pages 141-180

  7. Thermodynamics Revisited

    • Roger Balian
    Pages 181-239

  8. On the Proper Use of Equilibrium Thermodynamics

    • Roger Balian
    Pages 241-306

  9. The Perfect Gas

    • Roger Balian
    Pages 307-348

  10. Molecular Properties of Gases

    • Roger Balian
    Pages 349-390

  11. Condensation of Gases and Phase Transitions

    • Roger Balian
    Pages 391-448

  12. Back Matter

    Pages 449-465
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Keywords

About this book

Although it has changed considerably in both coverage and length, this book originated from lecture courses at the Ecole Poly technique. It is useful to re­ mind non-French readers of the special place this institution occupies in our education system, as it has few features in common with institutes with a similar name in other parts of the world. In fact, its programme corresponds to the intermediate years at a university, while the level of the students is particularly high owing to their strict selection through entrance examina­ tions. The courses put a stress on giving foundations with a balance between the various natural and mathematical sciences, without neglecting general cultural aspects; specialization and technological instruction follow after the students have left the Ecole. The students form a very mixed population, not yet having made their choice of career. Many of them become high-level engineers, covering all branches of industry, some devote themselves to pure or applied research, others become managers or civil servants, and one can find former students of the Ecole amongst generals, the clergy, teachers, and even artists and Presidents of France. Several features of the present volume, and in particular its contents, correspond to this variety and to the needs of such an audience. Statistical physics, in the broadest meaning of the term, with its many related disci­ plines, is an essential element of modern scientific culture.

Authors and Affiliations

  • CEA, Direction des Sciences de la Matière, Service de Physique Théorique de Saclay, F-91191 Gif-sur-Yvette, France and Ecole Polytechnique, Palaiseau, France

    Roger Balian

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