Understanding the Concept of Disorder in Basic Statistics

In summary, the conversation discussed the concept of disorder in relation to a parameter X and its mean x-bar. The formula for calculating the variation was mentioned, and the interpretation of disorder was questioned. The example of a gas molecule in a box was used to explain how the size of the box can affect the perception of disorder. The conversation also touched on the idea that position does not make sense in the context of a gas, but can make sense in other scenarios. The importance of considering other parameters and the concept of diffusion was also mentioned.
  • #1
nmondal
26
0
Ok, so we have a parameter X say.
Now, we have a mean x-bar, that is the mean, X being random.
Now, by basic statistics, the variation , that is

V(X) = E (X)^2 - (x-bar)^2

is the disorder. Is it so?
The interpretation of the disorder by me is correct or not?
I have nice property of disorder then!

:!)
 
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  • #2
I don't think so. Say X is the position of a molecule of a gas in a box. You have determined the variation from the mean position of every molecule in your function. How big is the box? One number that would describe the variation in a box, say, a metre cubed may well seem disorderly, but if the box was a kilometre cubed the same value would seem highly (almost impossibly) ordered.
 
  • #3
Position does not makes sense in case of a Gas.
It makes sense sometimes in the context of a drunk person.
Think it from that perspective.

Cheers.
BTW, if the box is 1 KM, sir, then again we have certainly more disorder to achieve...remember the diffusion?
That is the phenomenon.
 
  • #4
Eh? I'm not sure if you're arguing with me or agreeing. Yes, you may calculate another value and show that the disorder has increased, but nonetheless your original value did not say anything about the disorder of the system and you would no reason to believe the next one would. Even if you take the size of the box into account and make sure you take your measurement when the variation had converged, the variation would still change with other parameters (such as sample size) while the disorder would remain constant.
 

1. What is the measure of disorder?

The measure of disorder is a scientific concept that is used to quantify the randomness or chaos in a system. It is also known as entropy and is often used in physics, chemistry, and biology to describe the degree of disorder in a system.

2. How is the measure of disorder calculated?

The measure of disorder is calculated by using mathematical equations that take into account the number of possible arrangements or states of a system and the probability of each arrangement occurring. The higher the number of possible arrangements and the lower the probability of each arrangement, the higher the measure of disorder.

3. What is the relationship between disorder and entropy?

Disorder and entropy are closely related concepts. In fact, entropy is often used as a synonym for disorder. The higher the measure of disorder or entropy, the more chaotic and disordered a system is.

4. What factors can increase the measure of disorder in a system?

There are several factors that can increase the measure of disorder in a system, including an increase in temperature, a decrease in energy, or an increase in the number of particles or components in the system. Any process that results in a higher number of possible arrangements or a decrease in order will also increase the measure of disorder.

5. How is the measure of disorder relevant in different scientific fields?

The measure of disorder has important applications in various scientific fields. In physics, it is used to describe the thermodynamic properties of a system. In chemistry, it helps to understand the spontaneity of chemical reactions. In biology, it is used to study the complexity and organization of living systems. Overall, the measure of disorder is a fundamental concept that helps scientists to better understand and describe the behavior of natural systems.

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