Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 25, 2026

An Analog Macroscopic Technique for Studying Molecular Hydrodynamic Processes in Dense Gases and Liquids
Published on: December 4, 2017
Fluctuation theorems for systems under Fokker-Planck dynamics.
A Pérez-Madrid1, I Santamaría-Holek
1Departament de Física Fonamental, Facultat de Física, Universitat de Barcelona, Avenida Diagonal 647, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
This study explores Brownian motion under conservative and nonconservative forces. We derived the Fokker-Planck equation and fluctuation theorem expressions using a thermodynamic approach.
Area of Science:
- Thermodynamics
- Statistical Mechanics
- Nonlinear Dynamics
Background:
- Brownian motion is a fundamental concept in statistical physics.
- Understanding particle dynamics under external forces is crucial.
- Existing theories often focus on specific types of forces.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate Brownian motion driven by both conservative and nonconservative forces.
- To derive the Fokker-Planck equation for this system.
- To obtain expressions for the fluctuation theorem under different equilibrium conditions.
Main Methods:
- Thermodynamic approach to Brownian motion theory.
- Derivation of the Fokker-Planck equation.
- Analysis of fluctuation theorem in local and quasiequilibrium.
Main Results:
- Successfully obtained the Fokker-Planck equation for the studied system.
- Derived expressions for the fluctuation theorem in local and quasiequilibrium.
- Confirmed that results in local equilibrium match previous findings.
Conclusions:
- The thermodynamic approach provides a unified framework for studying Brownian motion.
- The derived fluctuation theorem expressions are valid for both equilibrium conditions.
- This work advances the understanding of non-equilibrium statistical mechanics.
Related Concept Videos
The Swing Equation
In a steady-state operation, the mechanical torque (Τm) supplied to the generator is balanced by the electrical torque (Τe)...
Differential Form of Maxwell's Equations
Damped Oscillations
Although friction and other non-conservative...
Maxwell-Boltzmann Distribution: Problem Solving
This distribution function f(v) is defined by saying that the expected number N (v1,v2) of particles with speeds between v1 and v2 is given by
Linear Approximation in Frequency Domain
In contrast, nonlinear systems do not inherently possess these properties. However, for small deviations around an operating point, a nonlinear system can often be approximated as linear.
Principle of Linear Impulse and Momentum for a System of Particles
Notably, internal forces between particles, occurring in equal and opposite collinear pairs, cancel out and are not part of the equation of motion. This exclusion simplifies the...
