statephysically

Statephysically is a term encountered in certain scientific discussions to denote an approach or phrasing that emphasizes describing a system strictly by its physical state, as opposed to only external conditions. Although not widely standardized, the term is used to signal attention to state variables, state space, and dynamical evolution when analyzing a physical system.

It conceptually sits at the intersection of thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, and dynamical systems theory. Statephysically framed analysis specifies properties in terms of the system's state rather than solely the controls applied to it. State variables such as energy, entropy, temperature, and order parameters define the state; evolution is described by equations of motion or stochastic rules that map one state to another.

Representations common to statephysically oriented work may include phase space coordinates, state vectors in Hilbert space for quantum systems, or density matrices for mixed states. Calculations center on state-dependent observables, response functions, and transition probabilities, often using state trajectories or ensemble descriptions to compare conditions.

Applications appear across condensed matter physics, quantum information, chemical thermodynamics, and materials science. The term's usefulness depends on clear definition, as it risks redundancy with well established language that already characterizes systems by their state. Critics argue that without precise context, 'statephysically' can be ambiguous.

See also: state, physical state, thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, dynamical systems.