Thermodynamics · undergrad

Complete Thermodynamics

A structured path through entropy, ensembles, and thermodynamic potentials.

Published Apr 26, 2026 · 1 min

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Entropy

Entropy measures both thermodynamic irreversibility and statistical multiplicity:

S = k_B\ln W.

The partition function

Z=\sum_i e^{-\beta E_i}

contains equilibrium information in the canonical ensemble.

Different constraints call for different potentials, such as $F$ and $G$ .

The quantity that distinguishes reversible from irreversible — viewed from both macroscopic and statistical sides.

The thermodynamic potential suited to constant temperature and pressure.

The statistical object from which thermodynamic quantities are derived.