Derivation of the entropic formula for the statistical mechanics of space plasmas

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Abstract

Kappa distributions describe velocities and energies of plasma populations in space plasmas. The statistical origin of these distributions is associated with the framework of nonextensive statistical mechanics. Indeed, the kappa distribution is derived by maximizing the q entropy of Tsallis, under the constraints of the canonical ensemble. However, the question remains as to what the physical origin of this entropic formulation is. This paper shows that the q entropy can be derived by adapting the additivity of energy and entropy.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)77-88
Number of pages12
JournalNonlinear Processes in Geophysics
Volume25
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 7 2018
Externally publishedYes

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Statistical and Nonlinear Physics
  • Geophysics
  • Geochemistry and Petrology

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