Theoretical Entropy Clock

dbmorpher

Hello dbmorpher here,
I was looking at some articles on entropy and wondered, could this be used to calculate time?
Entropy is known as the arrow of time, figurative I know but could actually be used to measure.
If there was a device that calculated the entropy in a set system couldn't it automatically calculate it and give a numerical value?
This would need a set system for all clocks but would render any other non- atomic clocks obsolete because it is based on measurements and calculations instead of gears and circuitry.

I would like to know if what I said in that last sentence could happen and if I could make one myself.

I found this
http://www.eoht.info/page/Entropy+clock
But I do not understand it very well.

ZapperZ

This is VERY puzzling. What system do you wish to measure the entropy of that is SO reliable as to be used as a clock? And how would this be more accurate than current atomic/Cs clock?

BTW, the naive link between entropy and the arrow of time is a QUALITATIVE relationship, not a QUANTITATIVE one. Nothing here says that entropy can provide an accurate MEASURE of time.

Zz.

russ_watters

Right. I could use a pot of water on my stove as a clock, but it would be cumbersome and not all that accurate.

dbmorpher

Well from what I have learned entropy is measured not observed, therefore a small calculator sized computer could be fitted to a clock and measure the entropy in the system, the only way for the clock to be inaccurate is if the laws of thermodynamics broke.
Refute me if I am wrong.

ModusPwnd

Quote by ZapperZ

What system do you wish to measure the entropy of that is SO reliable as to be used as a clock?

Can you not think of all clocks in this way? A wound clock has less microstates available to it than an unwound clock. A clock is that which measures entropy change reliably. Reliably being defined as: it progresses in some constant ratio to other clocks.

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ZapperZ Mentor Blog Entries: 27	This is VERY puzzling. What system do you wish to measure the entropy of that is SO reliable as to be used as a clock? And how would this be more accurate than current atomic/Cs clock? BTW, the naive link between entropy and the arrow of time is a QUALITATIVE relationship, not a QUANTITATIVE one. Nothing here says that entropy can provide an accurate MEASURE of time. Zz.

russ_watters Mentor	Right. I could use a pot of water on my stove as a clock, but it would be cumbersome and not all that accurate.

dbmorpher	Theoretical Entropy Clock Well from what I have learned entropy is measured not observed, therefore a small calculator sized computer could be fitted to a clock and measure the entropy in the system, the only way for the clock to be inaccurate is if the laws of thermodynamics broke. Refute me if I am wrong.