Difference between revisions of "Fluctuation theorem"
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The [[second law of thermodynamics]] predicts that such entropy should increase until equilibrium. But under the theory of statistical mechanics there would always be a nonzero probability that the entropy of an isolated system will spontaneously decrease. The fluctuation theorem precisely quantifies such probability under the theory of statistical mechanics. | The [[second law of thermodynamics]] predicts that such entropy should increase until equilibrium. But under the theory of statistical mechanics there would always be a nonzero probability that the entropy of an isolated system will spontaneously decrease. The fluctuation theorem precisely quantifies such probability under the theory of statistical mechanics. | ||
| + | [[category:physics]] | ||
Revision as of 15:39, April 3, 2007
The fluctuation theorem addresses the probability under statistical mechanics that the entropy of a system not at thermodynamic equilibrium (maximum entropy) will increase or decrease over a period of time.
The second law of thermodynamics predicts that such entropy should increase until equilibrium. But under the theory of statistical mechanics there would always be a nonzero probability that the entropy of an isolated system will spontaneously decrease. The fluctuation theorem precisely quantifies such probability under the theory of statistical mechanics.