scholarly journals Quantum thermodynamics and canonical typicality

2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (08) ◽  
pp. 1740001
Author(s):  
Paolo Facchi ◽  
Giancarlo Garnero
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Mechanics ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Convex Geometry ◽  
Quantum Thermodynamics ◽  
Foundations Of Statistical Mechanics ◽  
Alternative Version ◽  
Lecture Notes ◽  
A Priori Probability

We present here a set of lecture notes on quantum thermodynamics and canonical typicality. Entanglement can be constructively used in the foundations of statistical mechanics. An alternative version of the postulate of equal a priori probability is derived making use of some techniques of convex geometry.

Causation in Statistical Mechanics

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lawrence Sklar
Keyword(s):  
Wave Function ◽  
Statistical Mechanics ◽  
Initial Conditions ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Equilibrium Theory ◽  
Dynamical State ◽  
Full State ◽  
The Future ◽  
Micro Level ◽  
A Priori Probability

In statistical mechanics causation appears at the micro-level as the postulation that the full state of a system at one time can be specified by the dynamical state of all its micro-constituents (the positions and momenta of the molecules in a gas or, alternatively the wave function of these at one time), and that this state at one time generates, following the laws of dynamics (classical or quantum) the future dynamical state of the system characterized in these micro-constituent terms. So what is ‘non-causal’ in nature in explanations in statistical mechanics? This article explores two issues: The peculiar ‘transcendental’ nature of explanation in equilibrium theory in statistical mechanics; The need for introducing some a priori probability posit over initial conditions of systems in non-equilibrium theory.

Time in Thermodynamics

2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jill North
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Mechanics ◽  
Boundary Conditions ◽  
Equilibrium States ◽  
Temporal Asymmetry ◽  
Heat Flows ◽  
Foundations Of Statistical Mechanics ◽  
Open Questions ◽  
Closed Systems ◽  
The Many

It is often claimed, or hoped, that some temporal asymmetries are explained by the thermodynamic asymmetry in time. Thermodynamics, the macroscopic physics of pressure, temperature, volume, and so on, describes many temporally asymmetric processes. Heat flows spontaneously from hot objects to cold objects (in closed systems), never the reverse. More generally, systems spontaneously move from non-equilibrium states to equilibrium states, never the reverse. Delving into the foundations of statistical mechanics, this chapter reviews the many open questions in that field as they relate to temporal asymmetry. Taking a stand on many of them, it tackles questions about the nature of probabilities, the role of boundary conditions, and even the nature and scope of statistical mechanics.

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