Problems on Statistical Mechanics

This book provides over 120 problems with model solutions, illustrating both basic principles and applications that range from solid-state physics to cosmology. An introductory chapter summarizes the basic concepts and results that are needed to tackle the problems, and establishes the notation that is used throughout the book. The problems in the remaining chapters progress from the simpler aspects of thermodynamics and equilibrium statistical ensembles to the more challenging ideas associated with strongly interacting systems and nonequilibrium processes. The book also includes comprehensive solutions to all of the problems. The appendix provides useful mathematical formulae.