Abstract
This part of the paper concludes the presentation of the unified theory. It is shown that the theory requires the existence of, and applies only to, irreducible quantal dispersions associated with pure or mixed states. Two experimental procedures are given for the operational verification of such dispersions. Because the existence of irreducible dispersions associated with mixed states is required by Postulate 4 of the theory, and because Postulate 4 expresses the basic implications of the second law of classical thermodynamics, it is concluded that the second law is a manifestation of phenomena characteristic of irreducible quantal dispersions associated with the elementary constituents of matter.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
H. Margenau,The Nature of Physical Reality (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1950).
J. L. Park,Am. J. Phys. 36, 211 (1968).
H. Margenau,Philosophy of Science 4, 352 (1937);25, 23 (1958).
H. Margenau,Philosophy of Science 30, 138 (1963).
E. H. Lieb and M. B. Ruskai,Phys. Rev. Lett. 30 (10), 434 (1973).
J. C. Slater,Introduction to Chemical Physics (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1939).
P. Demers,Can. J. Res. 22, 27 (1944);23, 47 (1945).
E. Schrödinger,Statistical Thermodynamics (Cambridge Univ. Press, London, 1946).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Parts I, IIa, and IIb of this paper appeared inFound. Phys. 6, 15, 127, 439 (1976), respectively. The numbering of the sections, equations, and references in this part continues from the previous parts.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Hatsopoulos, G.N., Gyftopoulos, E.P. A unified quantum theory of mechanics and thermodynamics. Part III. Irreducible quantal dispersions. Found Phys 6, 561–570 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00715108
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00715108