Statistical and Thermal Physics – With Computer Applications

"In addition to being a clear, comprehensive introduction to the field, this book includes a unique and welcome feature: an emphasis on computer simulations. These are integral to the exposition and provide key insights into fundamental concepts that so often confuse newcomers to the field. Simulations also give students a tool to investigate interesting topics that are normally considered too advanced for undergraduates. I highly recommend this book to anyone planning to teach undergraduate statistical and thermal physics."--Jon Machta, University of Massachusetts Amherst

"This is an ambitious book written by two experienced researchers and teachers. Starting from the microscopic dynamics of atoms and molecules, it uses statistical mechanical ideas to explain the thermodynamic behavior of macroscopic systems, and amply illustrates these ideas using hands-on computer simulations. Both teachers and students will find this book stimulating and rewarding."--Joel L. Lebowitz, Rutgers University

"Gould and Tobochnik are respected researchers in the field and have a good sense of what is significant. Statistical and Thermal Physics includes many problems, exercises, and enlightening commentaries. The textbook places unique emphasis on numerical simulation techniques and what one can learn from them, and closely integrates them into the presentation. This is a welcome innovation."--Theodore L. Einstein, University of Maryland

"This is an excellent book. It is better than any other textbook I have encountered for an undergraduate course in statistical thermodynamics. The authors' use of simulations to build a student's intuition is novel, and the problems and examples are very useful. They bring out the important issues and are a real asset in getting students to think about the subject."--William Klein, Boston University