Explain classical vs statistical thermodynamics.
Classical vs statistical thermodynamics:
Classical thermodynamics | Statistical thermodynamics |
1. Classical thermodynamics is the description of thermodynamic system states at near-equilibrium using macroscopic, measurable properties. | Statistical thermodynamics is a theory that predicts the behavior of microscopic quantities of compounds based on molecular properties. |
2. Classical thermodynamics concerns the relationships between bulk properties of matter. Nothing is examined at the atomic or molecular level. | Statistical thermodynamics seeks to explain those bulk properties in terms of constituent atoms. The statistical part treats the aggregation of atoms, not the behavior of any individual atom |
3. It is used to stimulate energy, work, and heat exchanges using thermodynamic laws. | Statistical thermodynamics has also been used to predict reaction rates in general. |