statistical mechanics

American  

noun

Physics, Chemistry.

1. the science that deals with average properties of the molecules, atoms, or elementary particles in random motion in a system of many such particles and relates these properties to the thermodynamic and other macroscopic properties of the system.

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statistical mechanics British  

noun

1. (functioning as singular) the study of the properties of physical systems as predicted by the statistical behaviour of their constituent particles

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statistical mechanics Scientific  

/ stə-tĭs′tĭ-kəl /

1. The branch of physics that applies statistical principles to the mechanical behavior of large numbers of small particles (such as molecules, atoms, or subatomic particles) in order to explain the overall properties of the matter composed of such particles. The kinetic theory of heat is an example of statistical mechanics; the laws of thermodynamics can all be explained using statistical mechanics. Both classical physics and quantum mechanics have been used in the development of statistical mechanical theories.

2. ◆ Bose-Einstein statistics explains the behavior of large numbers of bosons, which are particles that can simultaneously occupy the same quantum state (such as photons in a laser beam).

3. ◆ Fermi-Dirac statistics explains the behavior of large numbers of particles that obey the Pauli exclusion principle (such as electrons) and cannot simultaneously occupy the same quantum state.

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Etymology

Origin of statistical mechanics

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

"Accurately determining the thermodynamic behavior deepens our scientific understanding of statistical mechanics and informs key areas such as metallurgy."

From Science Daily • Mar. 15, 2026

Throughout a prolific career, he worked across all areas of physics, but maintained particular interest in the fields of statistical mechanics and symmetry principles.

From BBC • Oct. 18, 2025

He has also used statistical mechanics methods to study music, finding that its rules emerge at the middle ground between dissonance and complexity.

From Scientific American • Aug. 19, 2020

Dr. Anderson once called spin glasses a “bridge between biology, statistical mechanics, and computer science.”

From New York Times • Mar. 30, 2020

This was the state of the art in the mid-1800s, and it seemed to mesh perfectly with the laws of statistical mechanics.

From "Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea" by Charles Seife