The Boltzmann Factor

"This gem of a book provides the student with a clear, concise, and compelling introduction to the deceptively simple but vitally important topic of thermodynamics. It involves the relationships between heat, work, temperature, energy, and states of matter, and touches virtually every field of science." -Richard N. Zare, Stanford University "This book introduces students to the Boltzmann factor in an exceptionally clear and concise way. This is a key topic for students studying any branch of modern science. Most importantly, this text adds significantly to our understanding of both the simplicity and the importance of the Boltzmann factor." -Graham Hutchings, FRS, Cardiff University This vibrant book takes the reader on an exciting journey through much of physical sciences by explaining the wide ranging influence of a single equation, the Boltzmann factor. This simple relation provides the key to understanding a remarkable variety of phenomena ranging from, for example, the behavior of atmospheric pressure at altitude, the appearance of molecular spectra and the factors that determine chemical equilibrium. Compact and clearly written book, this book, which requires no advanced mathematical skills, will enrich and deepen students' understanding of the molecular sciences. The insight it provides will enable them to appreciate the elegant unity that underlies the subject.