Statistical mechanics vs. thermodynamics. Review of statistical concepts. Canonical and grand canonical ensembles. Entropy. General formulation of statistical thermodynamics. Fermi-Dirac, Bose-Einstein and Boltzmann statistics. Quantum ideal gases. Specific heat of solids. Electrons in metals and semiconductors. Radiation: the photon gas. [Offered: S] Prereq: NE 115, 225, 232; 3A Nanotechnology Engineering students only. Antireq: CHEM 450 (topic: Statistical Mechanics), PHYS 359
