Extensive statistical mechanics based on nonadditive entropy: Canonical ensemble

The original canonical ensemble formalism for the nonextensive entropy thermostatistics is reconsidered. It is shown that the unambiguous connection of the statistical mechanics with the equilibrium thermodynamics is provided if the entropic parameter 1/(q-1) is an extensive variable of the state. Based on a particular example of the perfect gas, it is proved that the Tsallis then nostatistics meets all the requirements of equilibrium thermodynamics in the thermodynamic limit. In particular, the entropy of the system is extensive and the temperature is intensive. However, for finite systems both the Tsallis and Boltzmann-Gibbs entropies are nonextensive. The equivalence of the canonical and microcanonical ensembles of Tsallis thermostatistics in the thermodynamic limit is established. The issue associated with physical interpretation of the entropic variable is discussed in detail. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.