In one of the following sections, a physical interpretation will be given for the thermodynamical

function called entropy. When approached from the point of view of statistical
mechanics, this quantity is given a real significance that is not apparent in classical
thermodynamics.
It should now be mentioned that thermodynamics and statistical mechanics are only
applicable to problems involving equilibrium, and cannot predict the speed of a chemical
or metallurgical reaction. This latter is the special province of the kinetic theory.
As a simple example of a system in equilibrium, consider a liquid metal and its equilibrium
vapor in which the average number of metal atoms leaving the liquid to join the vapor
equals the corresponding number traveling in the opposite direction. The concentration of
atoms in the vapor, and therefore the vapor pressure, is a constant with respect to time.
Under conditions such as these, thermodynamics and statistical mechanics are able to
produce much useful information; for example, how equilibrium-vapor pressure changes
with a change in temperature. Suppose, however, that liquid metal is placed inside the bell
jar of a vacuum system so that the vapor is swept away as fast as it forms. In this case, there
can be no equilibrium because atoms will leave the liquid at a much faster rate than they
return to it. Because the liquid-vapor system is no longer in equilibrium, thermodynamics
and statistical mechanics can no longer be used. Questions relating to how fast the metal
atoms evaporate belong in the realm of the kinetic theory. Kinetic theory is thus most useful