Difference between revisions of "Fluctuation theorem"
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| − | 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 '''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. | 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. | ||
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| + | [[Category:Statistical Mechanics]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Thermodynamics]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Second Law of Thermodynamics]] | ||
Latest revision as of 17:14, April 7, 2017
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.