In mechanics, the virial theorem provides a general equation that relates the average over time of the total kinetic energy, , of a stable system consisting of N particles, bound by potential forces, with that of the total potential energy, , where angle brackets represent the average over time of the enclosed quantity. Mathematically, the theorem states
(n.)
A certain function relating to a system of forces and their points of application, -- first used by Clausius in the investigation of problems in molecular physics.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), edited by Noah Porter. About