The Kinetic Basis of Thermodynamics
Abstract
In this paper the thermodynamical properties of any system whatsoever are deduced from quantum mechanics. Two fundamental irreversible processes are considered: the conversion of other forms of energy into heat, and the flow of heat from one temperature to another. By the proof of a generalized H-theorem, it is shown that in each case the entropy, correctly defined, must increase, and the system tend towards a state of equilibrium. A simple but rigorous proof of Boltzmann's law is given from which the thermodynamics of reversible processes may be inferred. An appendix includes the exact solution of the most general time-dependent perturbation problem of quantum mechanics.
- Publication:
-
Proceedings of the Royal Society of London Series A
- Pub Date:
- February 1948
- DOI:
- 10.1098/rspa.1948.0003
- Bibcode:
- 1948RSPSA.192..166B