Basic Theory and Techniques

Abstract

This chapter summarizes theory used in the discussion of thermodynamic properties, giving references to where more detailed discussion may be found, and elaborating more fully some concepts which are frequently used. The general principles are illustrated first for isotropic behavior. Of these principles, thermodynamics is essential to everyone in that it provides a systematic method of describing, relating and analyzing the bulk properties which form the subject of this monograph. Statistical mechanics relates these properties to atomic and molecular structure, and so forms the basis for their theoretical explanation and prediction. Computational tools developed for this purpose are briefly mentioned, both for the statistical mechanics and for the underlying quantum theory of bonding and cohesion. Some of the applications described are simple, such as ideal gases and Schottky systems; but two others of great general importance, viz. cooperative order-disorder effects and vibrational contributions, require longer discussion. So also does the extension of the theory to anisotropic behavior and elasticity.