statistical mechanics
noun
plural in form but usually singular in construction
: a branch of mechanics dealing with the application of the principles of statistics to the mechanics of a system consisting of a large number of parts having motions that differ by small steps over a large range
Examples of statistical mechanics in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In the 1980s, mathematicians began to find deep and surprising connections between these equations and other areas of mathematics: in statistical mechanics and the study of phase transitions, in knot theory and string theory, in number theory and representation theory and the study of symmetries.
—
Jordana Cepelewicz, Quanta Magazine, 21 Oct. 2024
The second law of thermodynamics, the first law of thermodynamics, the conservation of energy, the principles of statistical mechanics, the properties of radiation — all of that is 100% dependent on a set of principles that include the zeroth principle of physics, that information is conserved.
—Quanta Magazine, 11 Apr. 2024
Andy is one of the pioneers of inflation, and these days has been thinking about the foundations of cosmology, which brings you smack up against other foundational issues in fields like statistical mechanics and quantum mechanics.
—Sean Carroll, Discover Magazine, 16 Apr. 2012
This led to the development of statistical mechanics, which was also wildly successful.
—Sean Carroll, Discover Magazine, 16 Nov. 2011
Thermodynamics and statistical mechanics are the powerful methods physics has developed to derive the properties of bodies—such as their temperature and pressure—from the basic behavior of their atoms and molecules, using probability.
—Frank Wilczek, WSJ, 17 Mar. 2022
Ergodicity is a crucial concept in statistical mechanics, which (for example) deduces the behavior of a large volume of gas from the motions of its uncountable individual molecules.
—Alex Hutchinson, Outside Online, 18 Mar. 2022
For these unruly systems, statistical mechanics falls short in representing phase transitions.
—Quanta Magazine, 11 Nov. 2021
Mathematically, these systems are elegantly described with statistical mechanics, the branch of physics that explains how collections of objects behave.
—Quanta Magazine, 11 Nov. 2021
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Jordana Cepelewicz, Quanta Magazine, 21 Oct. 2024
The second law of thermodynamics, the first law of thermodynamics, the conservation of energy, the principles of statistical mechanics, the properties of radiation — all of that is 100% dependent on a set of principles that include the zeroth principle of physics, that information is conserved.
—Quanta Magazine, 11 Apr. 2024
Andy is one of the pioneers of inflation, and these days has been thinking about the foundations of cosmology, which brings you smack up against other foundational issues in fields like statistical mechanics and quantum mechanics.
—Sean Carroll, Discover Magazine, 16 Apr. 2012
This led to the development of statistical mechanics, which was also wildly successful.
—Sean Carroll, Discover Magazine, 16 Nov. 2011
Thermodynamics and statistical mechanics are the powerful methods physics has developed to derive the properties of bodies—such as their temperature and pressure—from the basic behavior of their atoms and molecules, using probability.
—Frank Wilczek, WSJ, 17 Mar. 2022
Ergodicity is a crucial concept in statistical mechanics, which (for example) deduces the behavior of a large volume of gas from the motions of its uncountable individual molecules.
—Alex Hutchinson, Outside Online, 18 Mar. 2022
For these unruly systems, statistical mechanics falls short in representing phase transitions.
—Quanta Magazine, 11 Nov. 2021
Mathematically, these systems are elegantly described with statistical mechanics, the branch of physics that explains how collections of objects behave.
—Quanta Magazine, 11 Nov. 2021
Dictionary Entries Near statistical mechanics
Cite this Entry
“Statistical mechanics.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/statistical%20mechanics. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share