PhilSci Archive

Stars and steam engines: to what extent do thermodynamics and statistical mechanics apply to self-gravitating systems?

Robertson, Katie (2018) Stars and steam engines: to what extent do thermodynamics and statistical mechanics apply to self-gravitating systems? [Preprint]

[img]
Preview
Text
stars and steam FINAL SYN.pdf

Download (361kB) | Preview

Abstract

Foundational puzzles surround (Newtonian) gravitational thermal physics — a realm in which stars are treated as akin to molecules in a gas. Whether such an enterprise is successful and the domain of thermal physics extends beyond our terrestrial sphere is disputed. There are successes (such as the collisionless Boltzmann equation) and paradoxical features (such as the ‘gravothermal catastrophe’). Callender (2011) advocates reconciling the two sides of the dispute by taking a broader view of thermodynamics. Here I argue for an alternative position: if we are careful in distinguishing statistical mechanics and thermodynamics, then no reconciliation is required. Both sides can live in harmony because whilst statistical mechanics applies, thermodynamics does not. This state of affairs — the applicability of statistical mechanics with- out the emergence of thermodynamic behaviour — can be explained in terms of an infamous infinite idealisation: the thermodynamic limit.


Export/Citation: EndNote | BibTeX | Dublin Core | ASCII/Text Citation (Chicago) | HTML Citation | OpenURL
Social Networking:
Share |

Item Type: Preprint
Creators:
CreatorsEmailORCID
Robertson, Katiekrobertson0706@gmail.com
Keywords: thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, idealisation
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Physics > Statistical Mechanics/Thermodynamics
Depositing User: Katie Katie Robertson
Date Deposited: 04 Jan 2019 02:54
Last Modified: 04 Jan 2019 02:54
Item ID: 15545
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Physics > Statistical Mechanics/Thermodynamics
Date: 31 October 2018
URI: https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/15545

Monthly Views for the past 3 years

Monthly Downloads for the past 3 years

Plum Analytics

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item