From Random Motion of Hamiltonian Systems to Boltzmann’s H Theorem and Second Law of Thermodynamics: a Pathway by Path Probability

A numerical experiment of ideal stochastic motion of a particle subject to conservative forces and Gaussian noise reveals that the path probability depends exponentially on action. This distribution implies a fundamental principle generalizing the least action principle of the Hamiltonian/Lagrangian mechanics and yields an extended formalism of mechanics for random dynamics. Within this theory, Liouville’s theorem of conservation of phase density distribution must be modified to allow time evolution of phase density and consequently the Boltzmann H theorem. We argue that the gap between the regular Newtonian dynamics and the random dynamics was not considered in the criticisms of the H theorem. View Full-Text