Macroscopic Vs Microscopic Viewpoint of Thermodynamics

Macroscopic and Microscopic views of thermodynamics are used to study the behavior of matter. Suppose the matter is investigated based on its behavior based on a certain amount or volume, without consideration of its properties at the molecular level. In that case, it is known as macroscopic thermodynamics. If the matter is studied at its molecular level for its properties, it is known as microscopic thermodynamics.

Both macroscopic and microscopic thermodynamics are discussed in detail in the following sections.

Macroscopic (Classical Thermodynamics):

• In the macroscopic approach, a particular quantity or volume of matter is considered without considering the events occurring at the molecular level.
• This approach to studying thermodynamic properties does not require knowledge of the behavior of individual particles.
• It is only concerned with the effects of many combined molecules and how human senses can perceive these effects.
• Macroscopic observations are entirely independent of the assumptions regarding the nature of matter.

Microscopic (Statistical Thermodynamics):

• From the microscopic viewpoint, it is assumed that matter is composed of many small molecules and atoms.
• This approach to studying thermodynamics requires knowledge of the behavior of individual particles.
• It is concerned with the effects of the action of many molecules and human senses cannot perceive these effects.
• Microscopic observations are entirely dependent on the assumptions regarding the nature of matter.