Related papers: On Boltzmann's genius and thermodynamics
Even if Einstein brought major contributions as a founder of quantum mechanics, he remained deeply unsatisfied with the bases of this structure he knew to be so efficient for physics. His critics are often known through his numerous…
We analyze some of Einstein's failures to accomplish tasks which he posed to himself, notably deterministic interpretation of Quantum mechanics and formulation of the Unified theory of physical interactions, putting them into broader…
As a way to recall and honour Guido Altarelli I contribute to the discussion on the prospect for the future of Particle Physics. I do this because I am sure that Guido would have liked the discussion, even though I am not equally sure that…
We present a derivation of Boltzmann principle $S_{B}=k_{B}\ln \mathcal{W}$ based on classical mechanical models of thermodynamics. The argument is based on the heat theorem and can be traced back to the second half of the nineteenth…
The recent surge of interest in the origin of the temporal asymmetry of thermodynamical systems (including the accessible part of the universe itself) put forward two possible explanatory approaches to this age-old problem. Hereby we show…
The issue of the thermodynamics of a system of distinguishable particles is discussed in this paper. In constructing the statistical mechanics of distinguishable particles from the definition of Boltzmann entropy, it is found that the…
This pedagogical comment highlights three misconceptions concerning the usefulness of the concept of negative temperature; being derived from the usual, often termed Boltzmann, definition of entropy. First, both the Boltzmann and Gibbs…
Lecture given at the International Meeting ``Boltzmann's Legacy - 150 Years after his Birth'', organized by the Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei, 25 - 28 May 1994, in Rome, to be published in: ``Atti dell"Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei'',…
Einsteins general theory of relativity is one of the most important accomplishments in the history of science. Its experimental verification a century ago is therefore an essential milestone that is worth celebrating in full. We reassess…
We critically revisit Einstein's 1905 heuristic argument for lightquanta, considering its internal coherence and the scope of its applicability. We argue that Einstein's reasoning, often celebrated for its originality, is ambiguous because…
This paper discusses how theories can be assessed within the epistemological viewpoint advanced by the Austrian physicist Ludwig E. Boltzmann. It builds upon, and further develops, the perspective of Boltzmann's thinking as advanced by…
This contribution to the book in honour of J.S. Bell will probably differ from the remaining ones, in particular since only a part of it will be devoted to specific technical arguments. In fact I have considered appropriate to share with…
Steven Weinberg productive scientific life teaches us many things, one of the most important of which is the power of his example. This essay contains personal reminiscences and a speculation about gravitational wave propagation based on…
The essay is devoted to the personality of the prominent theorist D.V. Volkov and his pioneer works in quantum field theory and elementary particle physics.
This article is a partly pedagogical, partly historical and partly technical review of special relativity and its experimental foundations, in honor of the centenary of Einstein's annus mirabilis.
Nikola Tesla is often presented by his adepts as the "unjustly forgotten genius", without who our current technology wouldn't exist. In this paper, we analyze some popular statements made by Tesla's adepts, mostly about inventions that they…
The implications of the original misunderstanding of the etymology of the word "ergodic" are discussed, and the contents of a not too well known paper by Boltzmann are critically examined. The connection with the modern theory of Ruelle is…
Some thoughts are presented on the inter-relation between beauty and truth in science in general and theoretical physics in particular. Some conjectural procedures that can be used to create new ideas, concepts and results are illustrated…
We review the derivation of Planck's Radiation Formula on the light of recent studies in its centenary. We discuss specially the issue of discreteness, Planck's opinion on his discovery, and the critical analysis on the contributions by…
One of the less known facets of Ludwig Boltzmann was that of an advocate of Aviation, one of the most challenging technological problems of his times. Boltzmann followed closely the studies of pioneers like Otto Lilienthal in Berlin, and…