Equilibrium Distributions

Abstract

In Chap. 5 we introduced statistical entropy defined in terms of probabilities of molecular distribution in the energy levels. The energy levels may be discrete or continuous. In this chapter we find the said probability distributions when the system attains thermodynamic equilibrium subject to constraints on it. The probability distribution in question for a system in the state of equilibrium is determined based on the principle of maximum entropy. The entropy so obtained is identified as the thermodynamic entropy. This enables one to establish relationship between statistical mechanical and thermodynamic descriptions.