File:Dmroge InfoNonequ2011.pdf

http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10955-011-0358-9

We show how the interpretation of thermodynamic states as representing system information leads naturally to thermodynamic cycles and the first and second laws of thermodynamics as well as similar formulations for nontrivial nonequilibrium problems. The logical development of the theory also leads naturally to correct indistinguishability factors in the partition function.