Time's Arrow: The Origins of Thermodynamic Behavior (Paperback)

Michael C. Mackey

ISBN 10: 0486432432 / ISBN 13: 9780486432434

Published by Dover Publications, New York, 2003

About this Item

Paperback. 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. Exploration of Second Law of Thermodynamics details fundamental dynamic properties behind the construction of statistical mechanics. Geared toward physicists and applied mathematicians; suitable for advanced undergraduate, graduate courses. 1992 edition. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability.

Seller Inventory # 9780486432434

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Time's Arrow: The Origins of Thermodynamic Behavior (Paperback)
• Publisher: Dover Publications, New York
• Publication Date: 2003
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0486432432
• ISBN 13: 9780486432434
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: new

About this title

Synopsis

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.

From the Back Cover

This book explores the dynamical basis for the Second Law, that is, he seeks to illuminate the fundamental dynamical properties required for the construction of a successful statistical mechanics.