On the inequivalence of statistical ensembles

Abstract

We investigate the relation between various statistical ensembles of finite systems. If ensembles differ at the level of fluctuations of the order parameter, we show that the equations of states can present major differences. A sufficient condition for this inequivalence to survive at the thermodynamical limit is worked out. If energy consists in a kinetic and a potential part, the microcanonical ensemble does not converge towards the canonical ensemble when the partial heat capacities per particle fulfill the relation $c_{k}^{-1}+c_{p}^{-1}<0$.