Is entropy the volume in phase space of energy E or LESS than E?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the statistical definition of entropy in the context of the microcanonical ensemble, specifically the relationship between the volume in phase space of energy E and the volume where energy is less than E. The user references the equation S = k ln Ω, where Ω represents the phase space volume at energy E, and contrasts it with the definition S = k ln Σ(E), where Σ(E) is the phase space volume for energies less than E. The user expresses confusion over the apparent contradiction between these definitions and seeks clarification on their equivalency, particularly in scenarios where lowering energy increases entropy.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of statistical mechanics concepts, particularly the microcanonical ensemble.
  • Familiarity with the definitions of entropy, specifically S = k ln Ω and S = k ln Σ(E).
  • Knowledge of phase space and its significance in thermodynamics.
  • Basic grasp of the equipartition theorem and its implications in statistical mechanics.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the equivalency of S = k ln Ω and S = k ln Σ(E) in detail, referencing Huang's "Statistical Mechanics".
  • Explore the implications of bounded energy systems on entropy and phase space volume.
  • Investigate the equipartition theorem and its role in defining microstates and phase space.
  • Review advanced statistical mechanics texts for deeper insights into entropy behavior in various energy states.
USEFUL FOR

Students and researchers in physics, particularly those focused on statistical mechanics, thermodynamics, and entropy analysis in isolated systems.

nonequilibrium
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Hello,

I thought the statistical definition of entropy for an isolated system of energy E (i.e. microcanonical ensemble) was [itex]S=k \ln \Omega[/itex] where [itex]\Omega[/itex] is the volume in phase space of all the microstates with energy E.

However, if you take a look here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equipartition_theorem#The_microcanonical_ensemble
there is the line
[tex]\textrm{... Similarly, $\Sigma(E)$ is defined to be the total volume of phase space where the energy is less than $E$ ...}[/tex] [tex]\textrm{By the usual definitions of statistical mechanics, the entropy $S$ equals $k_B \log \Sigma(E)$ ...}[/tex]

so they use the volume in phase space where energy < E instead of the surface where energy = E. Do these notions coincide? I would think they'd conflict. Why do they say "by the usual definitions", I'm confused.
 
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I'm finding a source (Huang, Statistical Mechanics, 2nd edition, p134) that states [itex]S = k \log \Omega[/itex] and [itex]S = k \log \Sigma[/itex] are indeed equivalent up to a constant dependent of N. The reason for that, I don't seem to get, as the text is a bit too advanced for me atm.

In a way I'm willing to accept the equivalency (as it would clear up my problem), but there's one thing that bothers me: take for example a state of a certain system such that if you lower the energy, entropy goes up (think of a system with bounded energy), doesn't the [itex]\Sigma(E)[/itex] (= the volume in phase space where energy < E) definition make this behavior impossible, because surely (by definition) [itex]E_1 < E_2 \Rightarrow \Sigma(E_1) < \Sigma(E_2) \Rightarrow S(E_1) < S(E_2)[/itex]?

What am I overlooking?
 

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