Are Statistical Ensembles Just Mathematical Tools or Realistic Concepts?

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The discussion centers on whether statistical ensembles are merely mathematical tools or if they represent realistic concepts. One viewpoint suggests that ensembles are primarily mathematical constructs due to their probabilistic nature, yet they effectively describe statistical systems. McQuarrie’s definition highlights ensembles as a mental or virtual collection of numerous systems mimicking a specific thermodynamic system. This perspective reinforces the idea that while ensembles may not be tangible, they are valuable for understanding thermodynamic behavior. Ultimately, the debate reflects the balance between mathematical abstraction and physical reality in statistical mechanics.
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Recently I was asked whether the concept of a statistical ensemble is actually realistic and I recognized that I can not really answer this question myself. I think that it is more a mathematical "tool", because of the probability nature rather than a realistic "thing", but still it helps us to describe statistical systems.

What do you think?
 
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I agree. McQuarrie (in Statistical Mechanics, which I have handy) describes an ensemble as a "(mental or virtual) collection of a very large number of systems, each constructed to be a replica on a thermodynamic (macroscopic) level of a particular thermodynamic system of interest."
 
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