Statistical Theory of Polymers

This lecture covers the statistical theory of polymers, focusing on indicators of polymer structure and models such as the freely-jointed and freely-rotating chain models. It discusses the common features of polymers, characterizing polymer configurations, and the concepts of end-to-end distance, gyration radius, and persistence length. The lecture also explains the freely jointed chain model as a random walk in 3D with equal-length steps and the freely rotating chain model with rigid joint angles. Emphasis is placed on the relationship between joint angles, persistence length, end-to-end distance, and polymer stiffness.