The Road to Maxwell's Demon

Conceptual Foundations of Statistical Mechanics

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Science, Physics, General Physics, Mathematics
Cover of the book The Road to Maxwell's Demon by Orly R. Shenker, Meir Hemmo, Cambridge University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Orly R. Shenker, Meir Hemmo ISBN: 9781139579490
Publisher: Cambridge University Press Publication: September 20, 2012
Imprint: Cambridge University Press Language: English
Author: Orly R. Shenker, Meir Hemmo
ISBN: 9781139579490
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Publication: September 20, 2012
Imprint: Cambridge University Press
Language: English

Time asymmetric phenomena are successfully predicted by statistical mechanics. Yet the foundations of this theory are surprisingly shaky. Its explanation for the ease of mixing milk with coffee is incomplete, and even implies that un-mixing them should be just as easy. In this book the authors develop a new conceptual foundation for statistical mechanics that addresses this difficulty. Explaining the notions of macrostates, probability, measurement, memory, and the arrow of time in statistical mechanics, they reach the startling conclusion that Maxwell's Demon, the famous perpetuum mobile, is consistent with the fundamental physical laws. Mathematical treatments are avoided where possible, and instead the authors use novel diagrams to illustrate the text. This is a fascinating book for graduate students and researchers interested in the foundations and philosophy of physics.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Time asymmetric phenomena are successfully predicted by statistical mechanics. Yet the foundations of this theory are surprisingly shaky. Its explanation for the ease of mixing milk with coffee is incomplete, and even implies that un-mixing them should be just as easy. In this book the authors develop a new conceptual foundation for statistical mechanics that addresses this difficulty. Explaining the notions of macrostates, probability, measurement, memory, and the arrow of time in statistical mechanics, they reach the startling conclusion that Maxwell's Demon, the famous perpetuum mobile, is consistent with the fundamental physical laws. Mathematical treatments are avoided where possible, and instead the authors use novel diagrams to illustrate the text. This is a fascinating book for graduate students and researchers interested in the foundations and philosophy of physics.

More books from Cambridge University Press

Cover of the book Maternal Obesity by Orly R. Shenker, Meir Hemmo
Cover of the book Local Space, Global Life by Orly R. Shenker, Meir Hemmo
Cover of the book Cuba, the United States, and Cultures of the Transnational Left, 1930–1975 by Orly R. Shenker, Meir Hemmo
Cover of the book The Cambridge History of South Africa: Volume 2, 1885–1994 by Orly R. Shenker, Meir Hemmo
Cover of the book The Ecology of Plant Secondary Metabolites by Orly R. Shenker, Meir Hemmo
Cover of the book The Ballets Russes and Beyond by Orly R. Shenker, Meir Hemmo
Cover of the book The Allocation of Regulatory Competence in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme by Orly R. Shenker, Meir Hemmo
Cover of the book Terrorism and the Right to Resist by Orly R. Shenker, Meir Hemmo
Cover of the book A Linguistic History of Ancient Cyprus by Orly R. Shenker, Meir Hemmo
Cover of the book Ultrametric Pseudodifferential Equations and Applications by Orly R. Shenker, Meir Hemmo
Cover of the book An Economic History of Twentieth-Century Europe by Orly R. Shenker, Meir Hemmo
Cover of the book Women with Epilepsy by Orly R. Shenker, Meir Hemmo
Cover of the book Marketing Sovereign Promises by Orly R. Shenker, Meir Hemmo
Cover of the book Making Equal Rights Real by Orly R. Shenker, Meir Hemmo
Cover of the book The European Commission and Bureaucratic Autonomy by Orly R. Shenker, Meir Hemmo
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy