The different paths to entropy

In order to understand how the complex concept of entropy emerged, we propose a trip into the past, reviewing the works of Clausius, Boltzmann, Gibbs and Planck. In particular, since Gibbs's work is not very well known we present a detailed analysis, recalling the three definitions of entropy t...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:European journal of physics 2013-03, Vol.34 (2), p.303-321
Main Author: Benguigui, L
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Entropy
Fluctuation
history of physics
Mathematical analysis
Quantum mechanics
Reviewing
Thermodynamics
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Summary:In order to understand how the complex concept of entropy emerged, we propose a trip into the past, reviewing the works of Clausius, Boltzmann, Gibbs and Planck. In particular, since Gibbs's work is not very well known we present a detailed analysis, recalling the three definitions of entropy that Gibbs gives. The introduction of entropy in quantum mechanics gives in a compact form all the classical definitions of entropy. Perhaps one of the most important aspects of entropy is to see it as a thermodynamic potential like the others proposed by Callen. The calculation of fluctuations in thermodynamic quantities is thus naturally related to entropy. We close with some remarks on entropy and irreversibility.
ISSN:0143-0807
1361-6404
DOI:10.1088/0143-0807/34/2/303