Elementary Lectures in Statistical Mechanics

The presentation begins with the fundamental ideas of averages and ens embles, focusing on classical systems described by continuous variable s such as position and momentum, and using the ideal gas as an example . It then turns to quantum systems, beginning with diatomic molecules and working up through blackbody radiation and chemical equilibria. Th e discussion of equilibrium properties of systems of interacting parti cles includes such techniques as cluster expansions and distribution f u…