In symbols, W can refer to work done by force on a body, in physics or thermodynamics, or, in statistical mechanics and statistical thermodynamics, to the multiplicity or complexions of the particles of a Boltzmann-type system
Multiplicity
The multiplicity, W, from the German Wahrscheinlichkeit (meaning probability), is the number of quantum states associated with the macrostate of a system. [1] The probability of a macrostate, for an isolated system, is proportional to its multiplicity.
For systems, comprised of N identical particles, which satisfy the Boltzmann chaos assumption, the entropy of the system is found to be proportional to the multiplicity of the system:
S = k ln W
References
1. Pauling, Linus. (1969). Chemistry (ch. 10.4: Entropy: the Probable State of an Isolated System, pgs. 350-54). Dover.
