Statistical interpretation of entropy

How awkward is the human mind in divining the nature of things, when forsaken by 

---

Next, we review findings of educational research about the main areas of physical chemistry. Most of the work done was in the areas of basic thermodynamics and electrochemistry, and some work on quantum chemistry. Other areas, such as chemical kinetics, statistical thermodynamics, and spectroscopy, have not so far received attention (although the statistical interpretation of entropy is treated in studies on the concepts of thermodynamics). Because many of the basics of physical chemistry are included in first-year general and inorganic courses (and some even in senior high school), many of the investigations have been carried out at these levels. 

If we attempt to interpret the observations with regard to residual entropy in Frame 16, section 16.4 and those features that are not entirely in accord with the Third Law, we see that equation (17.1) represents a statistical interpretation of entropy which gives a reasonable account of these departures from the Third Law as well as giving an entirely consistent account of the Third Law itself. 

Classical thermodynamics is based on a description of matter through such macroscopic properties as temperature and pressure. However, these properties are manifestations of the behavior of the countless microscopic particles, such as molecules, that make up a finite system. Evidently, one must seek an understanding of the fundamental nature of entropy in a microscopic description of matter. Because of the enormous number of particles contained in any system of interest, such a description must necessarily be statistical in nature. We present here a very brief indication of the statistical interpretation of entropy, t... 

As the number of probable states available to a system increases, the uncertainty as to which state the system occupies increases and the entropy defined in terms of probability increases. A statistical interpretation of entropy is related to the uncertainty of knowledge about the state of the system. 

Th is edition has been extensively revised in the light of recent contributions to the literature. Many new references have been added the re-writing of certain passages, especially of those concerning the statistical interpretation of entropy and the present understanding of order-disorder transitions, also reflects charges of emphasis. 

For an ideal chain there is no interaction among monomers, so that dU=0. Hence dG=-TdS, and using the statistical interpretation of entropy in terms of probability... 

---