Modern uses of classical statistical mechanics?

In summary, the conversation touches on various applications and developments of statistical mechanics, including the use of Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein statistics in condensed matter and neutron stars, the Planck blackbody function, and the behavior of polymers. Classical statistical mechanics is also mentioned as being central to understanding these phenomena.
  • #1
andresB
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Most of the cases when I see applications of statistical mechanics is when Fermi-Dirac or Bose-Einstein statistic are used in condensed matter or the equilibrium equation of neutron stars.

Besides the Poisson-Boltzmann equation, I would like to know what are the modern developments/applications of classical statistical mechanics.
 
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  • #3
Isn't black-body radiation an example of Bose-Einstein?, If I remember correctly, the use of classical statistical mechanics lead to a divergence.
 
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  • #5
The behavior of polymers is firmly rooted in classical stat mech.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polymer_physics
The opening chapter(s) of de Gennes's book on polymer physics has a beautiful discussion of the role entropy plays in polymer conformations.
 

1. What is classical statistical mechanics?

Classical statistical mechanics is a branch of physics that uses statistical methods to study the properties and behavior of large systems of particles, such as gases, liquids, and solids. It is based on the laws of classical mechanics and thermodynamics, and it allows us to make predictions about the macroscopic behavior of these systems by analyzing the microscopic behavior of their individual particles.

2. What are some modern applications of classical statistical mechanics?

Classical statistical mechanics has a wide range of applications in modern science and technology. Some examples include understanding the behavior of materials, such as polymers and crystals, predicting the properties of complex fluids, such as blood and oil, and studying the dynamics of large biological systems, such as proteins and DNA.

3. How does classical statistical mechanics differ from quantum statistical mechanics?

Classical statistical mechanics and quantum statistical mechanics are two different approaches to studying the behavior of large systems of particles. The main difference is that classical statistical mechanics is based on classical mechanics and treats particles as classical objects with well-defined positions and momenta, while quantum statistical mechanics takes into account the wave-like nature of particles and the uncertainty principle.

4. What are the key concepts in classical statistical mechanics?

The key concepts in classical statistical mechanics include the microcanonical ensemble, which describes a system in equilibrium with a fixed number of particles, energy, and volume; the canonical ensemble, which describes a system in equilibrium with a fixed number of particles, temperature, and volume; and the grand canonical ensemble, which describes a system in equilibrium with a fixed chemical potential, temperature, and volume. Other important concepts include entropy, free energy, and partition functions.

5. How does classical statistical mechanics contribute to our understanding of thermodynamics?

Classical statistical mechanics provides a microscopic foundation for the laws of thermodynamics, which describe the behavior of macroscopic systems. By studying the statistical behavior of individual particles, we can derive macroscopic quantities such as temperature, pressure, and entropy. This allows us to make predictions about the behavior of complex systems and understand the underlying mechanisms behind thermodynamic processes.

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