Probability of a fluctuation/entropy decrease

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the probability of entropy fluctuations in a gas at room temperature, highlighting a contradiction between two formulas: one suggesting a tiny probability of entropy decrease (-ΔS) and another incorporating the Boltzmann factor and microstates (-M/T + S). The participants question why the entropy factor does not cancel the -M/T term at ordinary temperatures and why low entropy fluctuations are not observed despite high temperatures. The conversation seeks clarity on the relationship between microcanonical and canonical ensembles in this context. Links to references are provided for further exploration of the topic. The discussion emphasizes the complexity of entropy fluctuations in thermodynamic systems.
shimzz5
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Suppose we have a gas in the room at some temperature which is room temperature or higher.

In some references the probability is given by -ΔS, which is indeed a tiny number and makes sense.

However, in other references the probability is given by the Boltzmann factor plus the number of microstates -M/T + S, where T is the temparature of the gas and S the entropy of the fluctuated object. How to resolve this contradiction (between the microcanonical and canonical ensemble)? Shouldn't the entropy factor cancel the -M/T factor for ordinary temperatures? It seems that in the second equation (which corresponds to the free energy) the fluctuations are probable even now because the temperature is pretty high? Why don't we observe random fluctuations into low entropy states according to the second formula?

Sorry for my bad english, thanks.
 
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shimzz5 said:
In some references the probability is given by ...

However, in other references the probability is given by
Could you provide a link to these references? The context may help.
 
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