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Time's Arrow: The Origins of Thermodynamic Behavior
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.
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.
- GenresNonfictionScience
190 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 3, 1991
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July 10, 2017
I happened upon this at my library and I am not disappointed in it. Honestly, the biggest problem with this book is my own ignorance and lack of mathematical background. Time's Arrow: The Origins of Thermodynamic Behavior doesn't screw around; it goes into the thick of it in the preface. I had to refer to Wikipedia on numerous occasions and even after that I don't think I fully understand it. So what I need is a book that will describe Set Theory to me as though I was a child of 7 or so.
Anyway, this book was pretty good. I enjoyed it a lot despite the lack of total understanding. There are some other things about the book that were disappointing, but it didn't take away from the book too much. For instance, there are no problems to work out on your own. I suppose the author leaves some proofs as exercises, but I mean actual numbered problems. I guess this book is a bit more advanced than numbered problems though.
Anyway, this book was pretty good. I enjoyed it a lot despite the lack of total understanding. There are some other things about the book that were disappointing, but it didn't take away from the book too much. For instance, there are no problems to work out on your own. I suppose the author leaves some proofs as exercises, but I mean actual numbered problems. I guess this book is a bit more advanced than numbered problems though.
Displaying 1 of 1 review