Statistical Physics Textbook: F Mandl or Other Suggestions

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for textbooks in statistical physics, particularly focusing on F. Mandl's book and alternatives for a course in statistical mechanics. Participants share their experiences and preferences regarding various texts.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about where to obtain F. Mandl's statistical physics textbook and seeks other recommendations.
  • Another participant suggests purchasing the book from Amazon or a local bookstore, depending on personal values regarding large companies.
  • A participant currently using Mandl's book finds it satisfactory but recommends Zuckerman's "Statistical Mechanics for Biomolecules" for a more mathematical approach, noting that it may not align with undergraduate course requirements.
  • Two participants express a preference for Pathria and Beale's "Statistical Mechanics" as an alternative text.
  • One participant requests a PDF of Pathria and Beale's book, while another insists on the necessity of purchasing the textbook, indicating that it is unlikely to be available for free.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of opinions on textbook preferences, with no consensus on a single recommended text. Some advocate for Mandl, while others prefer Zuckerman or Pathria and Beale, indicating a variety of perspectives on the best resources for statistical mechanics.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not resolved the availability of textbooks in PDF format, and there is uncertainty regarding the suitability of certain texts for undergraduate courses.

Who May Find This Useful

Students seeking textbooks for statistical mechanics courses, educators looking for teaching resources, and individuals interested in different approaches to statistical physics.

Adeoye Temitope
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Anyone know where i can get statistical physics by F Mandl? or can recommend any other textbook for a course in statistical mechanics.
 
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The first part to your question seems quite easy to answer: Depending on your attitude towards major international tax-evading companies vs. local stores you can buy it from Amazon or ask at a local book shop (who can probably order it for you if they don't have it).
 
I'm using Mandl's book for my course now, and it seems alright. If you want one based on math rather than 'intuition', I suggest Zuckerman's "Statistical Mechanics for Biomolecules" book - don't let the name fool you, only the last 4 chapters focus on biomolecules, the rest cover statistical mechanics very thoroughly using nothing more than probability theory and calculus as the basis, which I loved.
However, I doubt an undergrad course will follow Zuckerman's book at all, so if this is for that course, get Mandl's on Amazon!
 
I like Pathria and Beale, Statistical Mechanics.
 
ModestyKing said:
I'm using Mandl's book for my course now, and it seems alright. If you want one based on math rather than 'intuition', I suggest Zuckerman's "Statistical Mechanics for Biomolecules" book - don't let the name fool you, only the last 4 chapters focus on biomolecules, the rest cover statistical mechanics very thoroughly using nothing more than probability theory and calculus as the basis, which I loved.
However, I doubt an undergrad course will follow Zuckerman's book at all, so if this is for that course, get Mandl's on Amazon!
please how can i get the mandl book from you ? Please it's quite urgent, we're half way into the course already.
 
mpresic said:
I like Pathria and Beale, Statistical Mechanics.
Do you have the pdf? can you send? please.
 
i think you need to buy the textbook. I do not think it is available as a pdf without paying. try amazon
 

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