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The statistical mechanical resolution of a thermodynamic “paradox”

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Abstract

We discuss a thermodynamic paradox suggested by Fallows and Greenleaf. Using quantum statistical mechanics, we analyze the problem in detail, showing why no paradox arises.

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References

  1. J. C. Fallows,New Scient. 5:1156 (1959).

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  2. J. Greenleaf,Bull. Inst. Phys. Phys. Soc. (July 1966).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Argonne National Laboratories, Argonne, Illinois

    C. D. Boley

  2. Department of Physics and Astronomy, Institute for Modern Optics, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico

    Marlan O. Scully

  3. Projektgruppe für Laserforschung, Max-Planck-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der Wissenschaften E. V., Garching/Munich, West Germany

    Marlan O. Scully

Authors
  1. C. D. Boley
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  2. Marlan O. Scully
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Additional information

This work was carried out some time ago, circulated as a MIT internal report, and has since enjoyed a modest popularity. We are pleased to publish it more broadly in this volume dedicated to the memory of such an outstanding researcher as Prof. P. Résibois. (MOS)

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Boley, C.D., Scully, M.O. The statistical mechanical resolution of a thermodynamic “paradox”. J Stat Phys 24, 159–174 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01007641

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01007641

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