Time's Arrow: The Origins of Thermodynamic Behavior - Brossura

MacKey, Michael C.

Brossura

ISBN 10: 0486432432 ISBN 13: 9780486432434

Casa editrice: Dover Pubns, 2003

Riassunto

Written by a well-known professor of physiology at McGill University, this text presents an informative exploration of the basis of the Second Law of Thermodynamics, detailing the fundamental dynamic properties behind the construction of statistical mechanics.
Topics include maximal entropy principles; invertible and noninvertible systems; ergodicity and unique equilibria; asymptotic periodicity and entropy evolution; and open discrete and continuous time systems. The author demonstrates that the black body radiation law can be deduced from maximal entropy principles; discusses sufficient conditions for the existence of at least one state of thermodynamic equilibrium; describes the behavior of entropy in asymptotically periodic systems and the necessary and sufficient condition for the evolution of entropy to a global maximum; and presents the three main types of ergodic theorems and theory proofs. He also explores the potential of incomplete knowledge of dynamical variables, measurement imprecision, and the effects of noise in entropy increases.
Geared toward physicists and applied mathematicians with an interest in the foundations of statistical mechanics, this text is suitable for advanced undergraduate and graduate courses.

Su questo libro

Product Description

Exploration of Second Law of Thermodynamics details fundamental dynamic properties behind construction of statistical mechanics. Topics include maximal entropy principles; invertible and noninvertible systems; ergodicity and unique equilibria; and asymptotic periodicity and entropy evolution. Geared toward physicists and applied mathematicians; suitable for advanced undergraduate and graduate courses. 1992 edition.

Contenuti

Preface 1. Starters 2. Maximal Entropy Principles 3. Invertible and Noninvertible Systems 4. Ergodicity and Unique Equilibria 5. Mixing 6. Asymptotic Periodicity and Entropy Evolution 7. Global Evolution of Entropy 8. Coarse Graining 9. Traces and Factors 10. Open Discrete Time Systems 11. Open Continuous Time Systems References. Index.

Dettagli dell'edizione

• Editore: Dover Pubns
• Data di pubblicazione: 2003
• Lingua: Inglese
• ISBN 10: 0486432432
• ISBN 13: 9780486432434
• Rilegatura: Copertina flessibile
• Numero di pagine: 192
• Contatto del produttore: non disponibile
• Persona responsabile: Soc. Agr. La Raia Ss; http://www.la-raia.it; ; Strada Monterotondo, 79; Novi Ligure; 15067; Italia