2003/10/29 by Somendra M. Bhattacharjee
Physics and Astronomy · #cond-mat.stat-mech #hep-lat #hep-th #quant-ph
published as Phys.Teacher 45 (2003) 12 · Based on Chanchal Majumdar memorial lectures given in Kolkata. 9 pages, 3 eps figures. For publication in "Physics Teacher"; v2. Sec 3 fragmented into smaller subsections
arxiv created 2003/10/29 · arxiv updated 2009/12/01
A definition of entropy via the Kolmogorov algorithmic complexity is discussed. As examples, we show how the meanfield theory for the Ising model, and the entropy of a perfect gas can be recovered. The connection with computations are pointed out, by paraphrasing the laws of thermodynamics for computers. Also discussed is an approach that may be adopted to develop statistical mechanics using the algorithmic point of view.