Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the information content carried by electromagnetic and gravitational waves, exploring whether these waves can convey information, the implications of energy dissipation, and the role of observation in defining information. The scope includes conceptual and theoretical aspects related to physics and information theory.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Conceptual clarification
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- One participant questions whether electromagnetic or gravitational waves can only carry information if their energy is not dissipated, suggesting that information may be lost as heat.
- Another participant asks for clarification on the definition of information being used in the discussion.
- A participant references an article on defining information in physics, indicating a resource for further exploration.
- It is proposed that measuring only the total energy of a wave in terms of heat results in minimal information, with thermal equilibrium representing a state of maximal missing information according to the Shannon-Jaynes interpretation of entropy.
- A later reply mentions that complete spectral information from wave signals, such as those from merging neutron stars, can provide significant insights into the properties of matter, highlighting the potential richness of information beyond mere energy measurement.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the nature of information in waves, particularly regarding the implications of energy dissipation and the necessity of observation for information existence. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives.
Contextual Notes
There are limitations regarding the definitions of information being used, the dependence on specific interpretations of entropy, and the scope of what constitutes information in the context of wave phenomena.