We study the classical statistical mechanics of a phase–space curve. This unveils a mechanism that, via the associated entropic force, provides us with a simple realization of effects such as confinement, hard core, and asymptotic freedom. Additionally, we obtain negative specific heats, a...

This work analyzes the classical statistical mechanics associated to phase-space curves in three dimensions. Special attention is paid to the entropic force. Strange effects like confinement, hard core, and asymptotic freedom are uncovered.