ChapterZero

If you were ever wondering why H is used for entropy instead of say E, here’s one theory courtesy of Tom Carter’s lecture notes:

“The enthalpy is [often] written U. V is the volume, and Z is the partition function. P and Q are the position and momentum of a particle. R is the gas constant, and of course T is temperature. W is the number of ways of configuring our system (the number of states), and we have to keep X and Y in case we need more variables. Going back to the first half of the alphabet, A, F, and G are all different kinds of free energies (the last named for Gibbs). B is a virial coefficient or a magnetic field. I will be used as a symbol for information; J and L are angular momenta. K is Kelvin, which is the proper unit of T. M is magnetization, and N is a number, possibly Avogadro’s, and O is too easily confused with 0. This leaves S . . .” and H. In Spikes they also eliminate H (e.g., as the Hamiltonian). I, on the other hand, along with Shannon and others, prefer to honor Hartley. Thus, H for entropy . . .

Possibly relevant posts:

• Entropy gathering (4/27/2004)
• Finally, something interesting! (2/13/2004)
• Waiting in the Library (3/28/2002)