What does macroscopic variable mean in scientific measurements?

[imy786]

Homework Statement

what is meant by the term macroscopic as used in the phrase macroscopic variable

(4 marks)

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

larger scale...

dont know what else to add..

 

[hage567]

Did you try researching it?

 

[imy786]

yes ..dont get it

http://ocw.mit.edu/NR/rdonlyres/Physics/8-044Spring-2004/8A872FAF-9F56-4EB6-A468-EC4CD4DEF55D/0/lec9.pdf

 

[husky88]

"(...) macroscopic variables, which represent the collective motion of a large number of microscopic particles (...)"

Seems I can find some definitions. Is that specific enough?

 

[imy786]

Macroscopic Variable A measurable quantity used to describe the gross state of the system. It depends collectively on the behavior of all the atoms and molecules. These are also referred to as thermodynamic variables. a macroscopic variable may be constant over time for a system, yet there will almost cetainly be continuous activity at the micro level.


anything else i can add...or does this make sense

 

[imy786]

Husky can you please tell me exactly were you quoted your definteion from.
Thanks

 

[husky88]

http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/1996APS..MAR.R1304H

It is the first sentence. It doesn't sound specific enough and it is in reference to magnetic flux. I don't know if it helps. Just trying.