Statistical Mechanics

R. K. Pathria · Paul Beale2011book

Selected reading: Boltzmann’s counting example and equilibrium state probabilities.

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How to study this source

  • Why does time have an arrow?

    coreBoltzmann’s counting example and equilibrium state probabilities

    Use the selected equilibrium discussion to connect multiplicity, probability and entropy.

Ideas and questions

Read background definitions when a term blocks the argument. Then return to the source and reconstruct its claim in your own words.

Read alongside, read against

  • From Eternity to Here

    Sean Carroll. Compare assumptions, evidence and scope with the source above. These are editorial companions, not necessarily direct responses.

  • Non-Equilibrium Thermodynamics

    de Groot · Mazur. Compare assumptions, evidence and scope with the source above. These are editorial companions, not necessarily direct responses.

  • Self-Organization in Nonequilibrium Systems

    Nicolis · Prigogine. Compare assumptions, evidence and scope with the source above. These are editorial companions, not necessarily direct responses.

  • The End of Certainty

    Ilya Prigogine. Compare assumptions, evidence and scope with the source above. These are editorial companions, not necessarily direct responses.

  • Information Theory and Statistical Mechanics

    E. T. Jaynes. Compare assumptions, evidence and scope with the source above. These are editorial companions, not necessarily direct responses.