Physics:Quantum kinetic theory
Kinetic theory describes the behavior of systems with a large number of particles by introducing a statistical description in terms of a distribution function in phase space. It forms a bridge between microscopic particle dynamics and macroscopic physical properties such as density, temperature, and pressure.
Kinetic theory is central to the description of gases, plasmas, and many-body systems, and provides the foundation for transport theory and fluid models. It forms the basis for equations such as the Vlasov equation and macroscopic models including magnetohydrodynamics.
File:Vlasov equation phase space.png
Distribution function
The fundamental object of kinetic theory is the distribution function:
Macroscopic quantities are obtained as moments:
- Density:
- Mean velocity:
Evolution equations
The distribution evolves according to equations such as the Vlasov equation.
Applications
Kinetic theory is used in:
It underlies transport theory and phenomena described by drift physics.
See also
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Source attribution: Kinetic theory