Thermodynamic Equilibrium

This lecture delves into the concept of entropy, explaining the difference between macro-states and micro-states in thermodynamic systems. It covers the calculation of multiplicities for ideal solids, the emergence of thermodynamic equilibrium, and the second law of thermodynamics. The instructor explores the distribution of energy, the additivity of entropy, and the extensive state function. Additionally, examples illustrate how entropy changes in various scenarios, emphasizing the fundamental law that the total entropy of a closed system tends to increase. The lecture concludes by discussing fluctuations around the most probable macro-state and the convergence of distributions to a Gaussian in large systems.