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Title: On the second law of thermodynamics

Journal Article · · Journal of Statistical Physics
 [1]
  1. Mathematical Institute, Oxford (United Kingdom)

The second law of thermodynamics has two distinct aspects to its foundations. The first concerns the question of why entropy goes up in the future, and the second, of why it goes down in the past. Statistical physicists tend to be more concerned with the first question and with careful considerations of definition and mathematical detail. The second question is of quite a different nature; it leads into areas of cosmology and quantum gravity, where the mathematical and physical issues are ill understood.

Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
OSTI ID:
67836
Journal Information:
Journal of Statistical Physics, Vol. 77, Issue 1-2; Other Information: PBD: Oct 1994
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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