For a stable, bound system of particles interacting through forces derived from a power-law potential, relates the long-term time-averaged total kinetic energy to the time-averaged potential energy by a fixed ratio depending on the power. First stated by Rudolf Clausius, it has applications from molecular physics to the dynamics of galaxy clusters.
Facts
StatementIn mechanics, the virial theorem provides a general equation that relates the average over time of the total kinetic energy of a stable system of discrete particles, bound by a conservative force, with that of the total potential energy of the system. 1 Classification
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Entity-backed identity for the statement-form enum value this theorem already carries, resolved to a mathematics concept by an explicit value-to-entity map (phase 3 bucket conversion, docs\design_entity_backed_browse_buckets_20260928.md). The statement-form fact itself stays on the theorem unchanged.
Entity-backed identity for the statement-form enum value this theorem already carries, resolved to a mathematics concept by an explicit value-to-entity map (phase 3 bucket conversion, docs\design_entity_backed_browse_buckets_20260928.md). The statement-form fact itself stays on the theorem unchanged.
In Branch
Sources
1. Virial Theorem (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia FoundationLead section, first sentence
In mechanics, the virial theorem provides a general equation that relates the average over time of the total kinetic energy of a stable system of discrete particles, bound by a conservative force, with that of the total potential energy of the system.
History section, first sentence
In 1870, Rudolf Clausius delivered the lecture "On a Mechanical Theorem Applicable to Heat" to the Association for Natural and Medical Sciences of the Lower Rhine, following a 20-year study of thermodynamics.
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