English

From Quantum Dynamics to the Second Law of Thermodynamics

Statistical Mechanics 2007-05-23 v1

Abstract

In quantum systems which satisfy the hypothesis of equal weights for eigenstates [4], the maximum work principle (for extremely slow and relatively fast operation) is derived by using quantum dynamics alone. This may be a crucial step in establishing a firm connection between macroscopic thermodynamics and microscopic quantum dynamics. For special models introduced in [4,5], the derivation of the maximum work principle can be executed without introducing any unproved assumptions.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.cond-mat/0005128,
  title  = {From Quantum Dynamics to the Second Law of Thermodynamics},
  author = {Hal Tasaki},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:cond-mat/0005128},
  year   = {2007}
}

Comments

8 pages, no figures