Nonequilibrium statistical mechanics of heterogeneous systems. II. Brownian motion of a large particle

1980 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
pp. 623-629 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. G. Bashkirov
Keyword(s):  
Brownian Motion ◽  
Statistical Mechanics ◽  
Large Particle ◽  
Nonequilibrium Statistical Mechanics ◽  
Heterogeneous Systems

Brownian Motion

2018 ◽  
pp. 1-24
Author(s):  
Giovanni Zocchi
Keyword(s):  
Brownian Motion ◽  
Statistical Mechanics ◽  
Concentration Gradient ◽  
Nonequilibrium Statistical Mechanics ◽  
Thermal Fluctuations ◽  
Nonequilibrium System ◽  
Individual Particle ◽  
Equilibrium Concept ◽  
Self Diffusion ◽  
Main Ideas

This chapter provides an introduction to the main ideas of Brownian motion. Brownian motion connects equilibrium and nonequilibrium statistical mechanics. It connects diffusion—a nonequilibrium phenomenon—with thermal fluctuations—an equilibrium concept. More precisely, diffusion with a net flow of particles, driven by a concentration gradient, pertains to a nonequilibrium system, since there is a net current. Without a concentration gradient, the system is macroscopically in equilibrium, but each individual particle undergoes self-diffusion just the same. In this sense, Brownian motion is at the border of equilibrium and nonequilibrium statistical mechanics.

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