Statistical mechanical derivation of the second law of thermodynamics

Hal Tasaki

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Statistical mechanical derivation of the second law of thermodynamics

Hal Tasaki

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Abstract

In a macroscopic (quantum or classical) Hamiltonian system, we prove the second law of thermodynamics in the forms of the minimum work principle and the law of entropy increase, under the assumption that the initial state is described by a general equilibrium distribution. Therefore the second law is a logical necessity once we accept equilibrium statistical mechanics.

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Hal Tasaki. 2000-12-19. Statistical mechanical derivation of the second law of thermodynamics. https://arxiv.org/abs/cond-mat/0009206

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