Generalized entropies from first principles

A derivation of power law canonical distributions from first principle stat istical mechanics, including the exponential distribution as a particular c ase is presented. It is shown that these distributions arise naturally, and that the heat capacity of the heat bath is the condition that determines i ts type. As a consequence, a physical interpretation for the parameter q of the generalized entropy is given. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All right s reserved.