Quantum Mechanics and the Third Law of Thermodynamics

Abstract

Rodebush has recently discussed certain points concerning the third law of thermodynamics in terms of quantum mechanics. His recognition of the significance of quantum mechanics in considering the behavior of solutions and glasses at low temperatures we believe to be of interest, and we agree with the more important of his conclusions. However, there have arisen some questions of interpretation in which we differ from the statements of his paper. We have thought it of value to present here, as explicitly as possible and at the risk of some duplication of ideas, an outline of these points and a discussion of their bearing on the expected behavior of the systems under treatment. It is our opinion that the views presented below have been in the main accepted by investigators interested in the theory of the third law; however, so far we are aware no equivalent discussion has been published.

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