Abstract
Some systems for which the binding energy increases more rapidly than linearly with the number of particles, are shown to exhibit negative specific heatc for some energies. In thermal contact with larger systems,c < 0 creates an instability, and in the canonical ensemble one sees only a phase transition. It is argued that supernovae are, in essence, a phase transition of this origin.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
On leave from the University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
The author would like to thank Dr. I. Wacek for her patient carrying out of the computer calculations for this work, and to Dr. A. Martin and Dr. S. Epstein for their help in studying δ2 S/δp(x) δp(x′). Furthermore, many colleagues at CERN helped with stimulating discussions.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Thirring, W. Systems with negative specific heat. Z. Physik 235, 339–352 (1970). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01403177
Received:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01403177