Statistical Mechanics: Entropy, Order Parameters, and Complexity

by James P. Sethna

Statistical mechanics is our tool for deriving the laws that emerge from complex systems. Sethna's text distills the subject to be accessible to those in all realms of science and engineering -- avoiding extensive use of quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, and molecular physics. Statistical mechanics explains how bacteria search for food, and how DNA replication is proof-read in biology; optimizes data compression, and explains transitions in complexity in computer science; explains the onset of chaos, and launched random matrix theory in mathematics; addresses extreme events in engineering; and models pandemics and language usage in the social sciences. Sethna's exercises introduce physicists to these triumphs and a hundred others -- broadening the horizons of scholars both practicing and nascent. Flipped classrooms and remote learning can now rely on 33 pre-class exercises that test reading comprehension (Emergent vs. fundamental; Weirdness in high dimensions; Aging, entropy and DNA), and 70 in-class activities that illuminate and broaden knowledge (Card shuffling; Human correlations; Crackling noises). Science is awash in information, providing ready access to definitions, explanations, and pedagogy. Sethna's text focuses on the tools we use to create new laws, and on the fascinating simple behavior in complex systems that statistical mechanics explains.

Genres: Physics, Science, Textbooks, Mathematics

492 pages, Paperback

First published April 6, 2006

Reviews

[Zach Ulibarri · Rating 3 out of 5]

The actual text in this book is pretty great. It's clear and concise, which is a hell of a lot more than I can say for Pathria and Beale. Unfortunately the problems in this book are best described as 'word salad.' Each problem has a million different poorly worded parts that can make life a living hell.

[Eggplant · Rating 3 out of 5]

The questions are really interesting. I may not use this book as a beginner nor as a theoretical physics student, but it'll be helpful if I want to know how statistical mechanics works in other board fields. The free pdf file can be downloaded and it's colored.

[Michiel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good reference to statistical mechanics. I particularly liked the exercises linking the physics to other fields such as molecular biology and materials science.

[Evan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A wonderful assortment of topics and a friendly, engaging style don't quite make up for informal & too-brisk discussions of important ideas.