Statistical Mechanics for Chemistry and Materials Science (Relié)

Starting with just two postulates and a few parameters to describe intermolecular interactions, statistical mechanics successfully explains a vast range of natural phenomena. From how water freezes to the folding of complex proteins, statistical mechanics lies at the heart of our theoretical understanding of most macroscopic observations in materials science, chemistry, and biology. The theory of polymer science, modern chemical dynamics, and computer simulations of molecular processes would all be impossible without statistical mechanics.
Statistical Mechanics for Chemistry and Materials Science brings together these different topics under one umbrella in a cogent fashion and can be used to provide an interesting course for graduate and advanced undergraduate students. Such a course starts with the basic concepts and premises of statistical mechanics, introduces fluctuations and distribution functions, and then treats phase transitions, surface phenomena, nucleation, polymer science, the complex world of binary mixtures, and computer simulations.
Statistical Mechanics for Chemistry and Materials Science is useful to students who have basic training in physics, chemistry, and materials science. The book is written to be understandable to advanced undergraduate students. Some of the advanced topics, such as density functional theory and some parts of surface phenomena and nucleation, are more suitable at the PhD level. CRC Press