Preparation (physics) experienced in quantum mechanics. Preparation (physics) Generally, measuring instruments are meant to get the (pre-)existent value of a physical quantity of a system with as little change of, or interaction with the system as possible. — If a measuring instrument fixes a physical quantity of a physical system for further use (post-existent), then the measurement process is called preparation. For example, a graduated cylinder filled to a definite mark prepares a certain volume of the liquid for further use. Though preparation measures a physical quantity — at least by fixing it — it often destroys previous states of the physical
Philosophy of thermal and statistical physics Philosophy of thermal and statistical physics The philosophy of thermal and statistical physics is that part of the philosophy of physics whose subject matter is classical thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, and related theories. Its central questions include: What is entropy, and what does the second law of thermodynamics say about it? Does either thermodynamics or statistical mechanics contain an element of time-irreversibility? If so, what does statistical mechanics tell us about the arrow of time? Thermodynamics is the study of the macroscopic behaviour of physical systems under the influence of exchange of work and heat with other systems or their environment.