Entropy & Relativity: What's the Relationship?

[Galteeth]

Since the entropy increase in a system is a function of time, it would seem that for different observers, rates of entropy would move differently. I am struggling a little hear with putting this into a coherent question, as I am a layman, but the jist is: both the notion of a closed system and the observation of time are dependent on an observer. What is the relationship between the thermodynamic arrow of time and the role of the observer in relativity? I imagine this is a complicated, so links to articles or such would be sufficient.

 

[atyy]

http://arxiv.org/abs/0902.4651

 

[ImaLooser]

Since the entropy increase in a system is a function of time, it would seem that for different observers, rates of entropy would move differently. I am struggling a little hear with putting this into a coherent question, as I am a layman, but the jist is: both the notion of a closed system and the observation of time are dependent on an observer. What is the relationship between the thermodynamic arrow of time and the role of the observer in relativity? I imagine this is a complicated, so links to articles or such would be sufficient.

Entropy is a function of time and can be used as a clock. It behaves like any other clock in relativity.

 

[Galteeth]

http://arxiv.org/abs/0902.4651

Thanks, this is exactly what I meant!

 

[sardar]

The relationship between entropy and relativity is a complex and ongoing topic of research in physics. Entropy, which is a measure of the disorder or randomness in a system, is closely linked to the concept of time and the arrow of time. In thermodynamics, the second law states that the entropy of a closed system will always increase over time, leading to a directionality of time known as the thermodynamic arrow of time.

In the context of relativity, the role of the observer becomes crucial. Relativity tells us that the laws of physics should be the same for all observers, regardless of their relative motion. However, the concept of time in relativity is relative, meaning that different observers can experience time differently depending on their relative motion. This raises the question of how the thermodynamic arrow of time, which is based on the direction of increasing entropy, relates to the role of the observer in relativity.

One possible explanation is that the arrow of time is a macroscopic phenomenon, meaning that it is only observed on a large scale and does not apply to individual particles or systems. In this view, the increase in entropy over time is a statistical phenomenon that is only apparent when looking at a large number of particles. Therefore, the role of the observer in relativity does not affect the thermodynamic arrow of time.

Another perspective is that the arrow of time is a fundamental property of the universe, and the role of the observer in relativity does not change this. This view suggests that the laws of thermodynamics, which govern the increase of entropy, are independent of the observer and are fundamental to the universe.

There are ongoing debates and research in the scientific community about the relationship between entropy and relativity. Some theories suggest that entropy and the arrow of time may be emergent properties of more fundamental laws, while others propose that they are intrinsic to the fabric of the universe.

In conclusion, the relationship between entropy and relativity is a complex and ongoing topic in physics. The role of the observer in relativity may have implications for our understanding of the arrow of time, but the exact nature of this relationship is still being explored. Further research and experimentation are needed to fully understand the connection between these two fundamental concepts in physics.