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arXiv · 0907.4852

The Distributions in Nature and Entropy Principle

Abstract

The derivation of the maximum entropy distribution of particles in boxes yields two kinds of distributions: a "bell-like" distribution and a long-tail distribution. The first one is obtained when the ratio between particles and boxes is low, and the second one - when the ratio is high. The obtained long tail distribution yields correctly the empirical Zipf law, Pareto's 20:80 rule and Benford's law. Therefore, it is concluded that the long tail and the "bell-like" distributions are outcomes of the tendency of statistical systems to maximize entropy.

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Oded Kafri. 2009-07-28. The Distributions in Nature and Entropy Principle. https://arxiv.org/abs/0907.4852

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