All articles tagged with #entropy
Originally Published 1 month ago — by Live Science
A new study reveals a universal mathematical equation that describes how objects break apart in a way that maximizes disorder, applying to various materials and explaining the consistent size distribution of fragments when objects shatter.
Originally Published 6 months ago — by SciTechDaily
University of Seville professor José María Martín-Olalla has resolved a 120-year-old thermodynamics puzzle by demonstrating that Nernst’s theorem is inherently linked to the second law of thermodynamics, correcting a long-standing assumption made by Einstein and reframing the understanding of entropy near absolute zero.
Originally Published 6 months ago — by Hacker News
The article discusses a theoretical proof suggesting that Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) may be mathematically impossible due to entropy behavior in complex decision spaces, specifically in heavy-tailed semantic contexts, challenging the feasibility of fully autonomous, human-like AI systems.
Originally Published 7 months ago — by Hacker News
The article explores the idea that gravity might be an emergent phenomenon driven by entropy increase, similar to effects seen in granular physics and thermodynamics, but this remains a minority and speculative view in physics, requiring more experimental evidence and testable predictions.
Originally Published 7 months ago — by Phys.org
Researchers have demonstrated that using two different time scales in quantum clocks can exponentially increase their accuracy, challenging previous assumptions that higher precision requires proportionally more energy, by leveraging quantum transport and entropy management.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Quanta Magazine
Entropy, a concept introduced 200 years ago, measures disorder and reflects our ignorance about the universe. Initially linked to thermodynamics, it now spans various fields, highlighting the relationship between information and energy. Modern interpretations view entropy as observer-dependent, challenging traditional notions of objectivity in science. This evolving understanding is influencing areas like decision-making and machine efficiency, and is being explored through experiments with information engines and quantum systems, suggesting a new industrial revolution focused on harnessing uncertainty and information as resources.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by IFLScience
Physicist Jeremy England proposes the idea that life may be a consequence of entropy, a measure of disorder in a system. He suggests that life arises as a result of the laws of physics, drawing on energy from the environment to temporarily decrease its own entropy. England's simulations of complex chemical systems show a statistical tendency for structures with higher-than-equilibrium rates of work absorption, indicating that life-like patterns of collective molecular behavior may arise as a consequence of entropy. If correct, this theory could imply that life is likely ubiquitous throughout the universe.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Big Think
The second law of thermodynamics states that entropy always increases in any physical system, including the entire Universe. Contrary to popular belief, the Universe did not start with zero entropy at the Big Bang; it had a large entropy even at the earliest stages. Entropy measures the number of possible arrangements of a system's quantum state, rather than "disorder." The entropy of the Universe has increased tremendously over its history, with the largest growth occurring at the end of inflation and the beginning of the hot Big Bang. While the overall entropy of the Universe continues to rise, the entropy density has dropped dramatically over time, and will never be as large as it was at the start of the hot Big Bang.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Giant Freakin Robot
Scientists have discovered evidence of a material-based measure of the ability to reverse time, challenging the linear nature of time in certain materials like glass. This breakthrough in measuring time, known as material time, has been achieved through the study of glass's molecular reconfiguration, providing insight into its ability to reverse time on a molecular level. This finding could have significant implications for understanding the aging process of materials and the laws of physics.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Phys.org
Entropy, a measure of randomness or disorder in a system, plays a crucial role in determining a planet's habitability. Scientist Luigi Petraccone has proposed the concept of "planetary entropy production" (PEP) to evaluate the potential habitability of planets. A high PEP value indicates a planet's ability to sustain complex life forms. By considering the PEP and available free energy, scientists can prioritize targets for further study in the search for habitable exoplanets. This approach does not rely on assumptions about atmospheric conditions or the chemical basis of life, making it a valuable tool in the study of exoplanets.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Big Think
The entropy of a closed system can decrease under the proper conditions, contrary to what is commonly taught. An isolated system, which allows no exchange of matter or energy with the environment, is the only system where entropy can never decrease. In a closed system, while matter exchange is prohibited, energy and work can still be exchanged with the environment, allowing for a decrease in entropy with sufficient energy input. Understanding the distinctions between open, closed, and isolated systems is crucial in comprehending the behavior of physical systems.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by ScienceAlert
A study published in 2016 suggests that human consciousness could be a side effect of the brain's tendency to maximize disorder, similar to the principle of entropy. The researchers propose that consciousness arises naturally as the brain moves towards a state of entropy, where there is a high number of possible configurations of interactions between brain networks. However, the study's small sample size and the need for replication in larger studies limit the conclusions that can be drawn. Nonetheless, the research provides a starting point for further investigation into the relationship between brain organization and consciousness.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The Conversation
A new study proposes a possible experiment to scientifically prove the simulated universe theory, which suggests that our reality is a meticulously programmed computer simulation. The study introduces the second law of infodynamics, a new law of physics that supports the simulated universe theory. This law states that information entropy must remain constant or decrease over time, in opposition to the second law of thermodynamics. The research indicates that the second law of infodynamics is a cosmological necessity and has implications for genetic research, evolutionary biology, physics, and cosmology. If further studies confirm the validity of this law and the simulated universe hypothesis, it could provide scientific evidence for the theory.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Phys.org
Researchers at Penn State have made a breakthrough in understanding hydrogen spillover, a phenomenon that could be key to harnessing hydrogen for clean energy. Hydrogen spillover occurs when hydrogen atom-like equivalents transfer from a metal catalyst to an oxide substrate, but until now, the mechanism behind it had not been quantified. The research team used a gold-on-titania system to demonstrate the process and measure it for the first time. They found that hydrogen molecules can be effectively split into hydrogen atoms at higher temperatures, requiring less energy. This discovery could lead to advancements in hydrogen activation and storage for clean fuel applications.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Caltech
Researchers have discovered the secret behind the unusual behavior of a class of metal alloys called Invars, which do not change in size and density over a wide range of temperatures. By combining iron and nickel in a specific proportion, these alloys exhibit a counteracting effect between thermal expansion caused by atom vibrations and magnetism. The spin state of electrons in the Invar alloys changes with temperature, causing the atoms to vibrate more and take up more space, while the changing spin states also lead to contraction. This delicate balance explains why Invars remain the same size. The findings could have implications for understanding thermal expansion in other magnetic materials and developing materials for magnetic refrigeration.