Innovative aspects of the book include the construction of statistical entropy from desired properties, the derivation of the entropy of classical systems from purely classical assumptions, and a statistical thermodynamics approach to the ideal Fermi and ideal Bose gases. Derivations are worked through step-by-step and important applications are highlighted in over 20 worked examples. Around 50 end-of-chapter exercises test readers’ understanding.
The book also features a glossary giving definitions for all essential terms, a time line showing important developments, and a list of books for further study. It is an ideal supplement to undergraduate courses in physics, engineering, chemistry, and mathematics.