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As we have seen in the basic module,
all kinds of definitions for the entropy are equivalent as long as some
undetermined constant is allowed. Using quantum theory however, an absolute
definition of the entropy, or an absolute zero point for entropy emerges. |
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Without going into details, what
happens is: |
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The
"phase space volume"
definition for P is the most general choice. Since we have to
have a pure number in the ln, the volume that the system under
consideration occupies in phase space must be divided by an appropriate
elementary unit of phase space. In classical physics, there is no way of
uniquely defining that unit; you are left with the ambiguity as discussed
above. |
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Quantum theory, however, leaves only one choice for the elementary unit P0 of phase space volume for a system with
N particles: |
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With h = Plancks constant. |
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Entropy, it turns out, is a well
defined quantity after all. But again, for most applications, especially
concerning defects, you do not have to worry about the finer points highlighted
here. |
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© H. Föll