statistical mechanics

English

Etymology

Coined by American scientist Josiah Willard Gibbs in 1884, with a presentation to the American Association for the Advancement of Science titled "On the Fundamental Formula of Statistical Mechanics, with Applications to Astronomy and Thermodynamics". He attributed the choice of the word "statistical" to James Clerk Maxwell.

Noun

statistical mechanics (uncountable)

1. (physics) The branch of physics that uses statistical laws to make theoretical predictions about macroscopic systems of particles.

Synonyms

• statistical thermodynamics

Related terms

• Boltzmannian

Translations

branch of physics

• Finnish: tilastollinen mekaniikka
• Japanese: 統計力学 (とうけいりきがく, tōkeirikigaku)
• Romanian: mecanică statistică