Introduction to a sequence on the statistical thermodynamics of some things and maybe eventually everything. This will make more sense if you have a basic grasp on quantum mechanics, but if you're willing to accept "energy comes in discrete units" as a premise then you should be mostly fine.

The title of this post has a double meaning:

1. Forget the thermodynamics you've learnt before, because statistical mechanics starts from information theory.
2. The main principle of doing things with statistical mechanics is can be summed up as follows:

Forget as much as possible, then find a way to forget some more.

Particle(s) in a Box

All of practical thermodynamics (chemistry, engines, etc.) relies on the same procedure, although you will rarely see it written like this:

1. Take systems which we know something about
2. Allow them to interact in a controlled way
3. Forget as much as possible
4. If we [...]

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Outline:

(00:42) Particle(s) in a Box

(02:25) The Piston

(03:29) Maths of the Piston

(04:57) Conclusions

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First published:

Source:

Narrated by TYPE III AUDIO.