Statistical Mechanics: A Selective Review of Two Central Issues

DOI10.1103/REVMODPHYS.71.S346arXivmath-ph/0010018MaRDI QIDQ6468461FDOQ6468461

Authors: Joel Lebowitz 

Publication date: 17 October 2000

Abstract: I give a highly selective overview of the way statistical mechanics explains the microscopic origins of the time asymmetric evolution of macroscopic systems towards equilibrium and of first order phase transitions in equilibrium. These phenomena are emergent collective properties not discernible in the behavior of individual atoms. They are given precise and elegant mathematical formulations when the ratio between macroscopic and microscopic scales becomes very large.

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