On the Approach to Statistical Equilibrium

Arnold J. F. Siegert
Phys. Rev. 76, 1708 – Published 1 December 1949
PDFExport Citation

Abstract

We consider as a random process the distribution of a gas in momentum space as function of the time. The probability of changes of the distribution in infinitesimal time intervals is assumed to be given by the "Stosszahlansatz." For the Rayleigh model of a gas we derive the probability of a distribution as a function of the time. For the Boltzmann gas with microscopic reversibility we show that the probability of a distribution approaches the stationary value in the limit of infinite time.

  • Received 12 August 1949

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRev.76.1708

©1949 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Arnold J. F. Siegert

  • Physics Department, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois

References (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand
Issue

Vol. 76, Iss. 11 — December 1949

Reuse & Permissions
Access Options
Author publication services for translation and copyediting assistance advertisement

Authorization Required


×
×

Images

×

Sign up to receive regular email alerts from Physical Review Journals Archive

Log In

Cancel
×

Search


Article Lookup

Paste a citation or DOI

Enter a citation
×