Can the information of the whole universe change?

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of entropy in relation to the universe and how it can change despite nothing leaving or entering the universe. It is suggested that the universe is governed by quantum mechanics, which adds information through probabilistic interactions. The possibility of infinite outcomes in quantum processes is also mentioned. The idea of entropy and information as metadata is also brought up, with reference to the second law of thermodynamics and the proposal of Loop quantum cosmology.
  • #1
friend
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They say that the universe started with low entropy, which is a certain amount of information. But I wonder how the information associated with the whole universe can change. By definition nothing can ever leaves or enters the universe as a whole. And if nothing ever enters or leaves a system, then where does the source of increase in information or entropy come from?
 
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  • #2
I think the answer is that the universe is governed by quantum mechanics, and quantum mechanics is not deterministic, but inherently probabilistic. Every quantum interaction has a set of possibilities, but eventually only one is realized. Every time this happens, information is added to the universe as a whole.
 
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  • #3
Aren't there quantum processes that have an infinite number of possible outcomes, like exactly where a particle strikes a screen in a two slit experiment? What's the entropy of those kinds of processes where the likelihood of one outcome is infinitesimal? Then multiply that by every interaction in the universe.
 
  • #4
friend said:
By definition nothing can ever leaves or enters the universe as a whole.
I don't think entropy and information are things, they're more like metadata about events that can occur (entropy) or have occurred (information).

See Wikipedia's article Entropy (arrow of time):
Entropy is the only quantity in the physical sciences (apart from certain rare interactions in particle physics; see below) that requires a particular direction for time, sometimes called an arrow of time. As one goes "forward" in time, the second law of thermodynamics says, the entropy of an isolated system can increase, but not decrease.

If the universe is not an isolated system as proposed in Loop quantum cosmology, then things may be leaving it through black holes.
 

1. Can the information of the whole universe be altered or erased?

According to the laws of thermodynamics, information cannot be created nor destroyed. This means that the information of the whole universe cannot be altered or erased, but it can be transformed or redistributed.

2. Is there a limit to the amount of information in the universe?

It is currently unknown if there is a limit to the amount of information in the universe. However, based on the current understanding of the universe, it is believed that the amount of information is infinite.

3. How is information stored in the universe?

Information in the universe is stored through various forms of energy and matter. For example, the arrangement of particles and their movements can represent information. Additionally, information can also be stored in the form of electromagnetic radiation, such as light.

4. Can new information be added to the universe?

New information can be added to the universe through various processes, such as the creation of new particles or the formation of new structures. However, this new information is not created from nothing, but rather it is a transformation of existing information.

5. Can the information of the whole universe be completely understood?

It is currently impossible for us to fully understand the information of the whole universe. This is due to the vastness of the universe and the complexity of its systems. However, through scientific research and advancements, we continue to expand our understanding of the universe's information.

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