Introduction to a sequence on the statistical thermodynamics of some things and maybe eventually everything. This will make more sense if you have a basic grasp on quantum mechanics, but if you're willing to accept "energy comes in discrete units" as a premise then you should be mostly fine.

The title of this post has a double meaning:

Forget the thermodynamics you've learnt before, because statistical mechanics starts from information theory.
The main principle of doing things with statistical mechanics is can be summed up as follows:

Forget as much as possible, then find a way to forget some more.

Particle(s) in a Box

All of practical thermodynamics (chemistry, engines, etc.) relies on the same procedure, although you will rarely see it written like this:

Take systems which we know something about
Allow them to interact in a controlled way
Forget as much as possible
If we [...]

---

Outline:

(00:42) Particle(s) in a Box

(02:25) The Piston

(03:29) Maths of the Piston

(04:57) Conclusions

---

First published:
April 22nd, 2024

Source:
https://www.lesswrong.com/posts/wbnWNSCyjFKyknvBy/forget-everything-statistical-mechanics-part-1

---

Narrated by TYPE III AUDIO.

“Forget Everything (Statistical Mechanics Part 1)” by J Bostock

LessWrong (30+ Karma)