Ludwig Boltzmann
Ludwig Boltzmann (February 20, 1844 - September 5, 1906) was an Austrian physicist and mathematician known for his fundamental contributions to thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. He developed the Boltzmann equation, which describes the time evolution of the distribution of particles in a gas, and formulated the famous relation \(S = k \log W\), connecting entropy with the number of possible microstates of a system. His work was crucial in establishing the statistical foundation of the second law of thermodynamics, profoundly influencing modern physics and our understanding of the behavior of macroscopic systems from their microscopic components.
Quotes
- We should leave elegance to shoemakers and tailors.
- In my opinion, all salvation for philosophy can be expected to come from Darwin's theory.
- Available energy is the main object at stake in the struggle for existence and the evolution of the world.
- Philosophy gets on my nerves. If we analyze the ultimate foundation of everything, then everything ultimately falls into nothingness. But I've decided to resume my classes again and look the Hydra of doubt straight in the eye, and that's quite disturbing when you're evaluating your own values.