On the establishment of grand canonical distributions

Abstract

It is shown, in accordance with the accepted principles of statistical mechanics, that the establishment of a grand canonical distribution is to be expected in an ensemble which represents the attainment of equilibrium in an "open" system, connected with appropriate reservoirs for supplying the various kinds of molecules involved, and in thermal contact with a large heat bath at a given temperature. This finding is of assistance, in placing on a sound and understandable basis the use which has been made of grand canonical ensembles, for the representation of thermodynamic equilibrium in "open" systems.

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