Yet another resolution of the Gibbs paradox: an information theory approach

Details Yet another resolution of the Gibbs paradox: an information theory approach Yet another resolution of the Gibbs paradox: an information theory approach

2001-09-18

arxiv.org/abs/cond-mat/0109324v1

p. 331 in "Bayesian Inference and Maximum Entropy Methods in Science and Engineering" ed. by R. L. Fry (A.I.P. Vol. 617, 2002)

Physics

Condensed Matter

Statistical Mechanics

Presented at MaxEnt 2001, the 21th International Workshop on Bayesian Inference and Maximum Entropy Methods (August 4-9, 2001,

Scientific paper

10.1063/1.1477057

The ``Gibbs Paradox'' refers to several related questions concerning entropy in thermodynamics and statistical mechanics: whether it is an extensive quantity or not, how it changes when identical particles are mixed, and the proper way to count states in systems of identical particles. Several authors have recognized that the paradox is resolved once it is realized that there is no such thing as the entropy of a system, that there are many entropies, and that the choice between treating particles as being distinguishable or not depends on the resolution of the experiment. The purpose of this note is essentially pedagogical; we add to their analysis by examining the paradox from the point of view of information theory. Our argument is based on that `grouping' property of entropy that Shannon recognized, by including it among his axioms, as an essential requirement on any measure of information. Not only does it provide the right connection between different entropies but, in addition, it draws our attention to the obvious fact that addressing issues of distinguishability and of counting states requires a clear idea about what precisely do we mean by a state.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Yet another resolution of the Gibbs paradox: an information theory approach does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Yet another resolution of the Gibbs paradox: an information theory approach, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Yet another resolution of the Gibbs paradox: an information theory approach will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-621411