Laws of thermodynamics and their application to quantum physics

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the Second Law of Thermodynamics, which asserts that the total entropy of an isolated system never decreases. It explores the implications of time-reversal experiments in quantum systems that may exhibit effective decreases in entropy, challenging classical views of irreversibility. The conversation references specific definitions of quantum entropy, highlighting the complexities involved in reconciling these concepts with traditional thermodynamic principles.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Second Law of Thermodynamics
  • Familiarity with quantum mechanics and time-reversal symmetry
  • Knowledge of entropy definitions in quantum systems
  • Basic grasp of experimental design in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research time-reversal experiments in quantum mechanics
  • Study various definitions of quantum entropy, particularly those discussed in Sec. 5.3 of the referenced paper
  • Explore the implications of quantum thermodynamics on classical thermodynamic laws
  • Investigate experimental methodologies for observing entropy changes in quantum systems
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, researchers in quantum mechanics, and students studying thermodynamics who are interested in the intersection of classical and quantum theories.

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TL;DR
The Second Law of Thermodynamics states that the total entropy of an isolated system never decreases. But in a time-reversal experiment in quantum systems, would it be possible to observe an effective decrease in entropy? How does this reconcile with the classical view of irreversibility?
A Segunda Lei da Termodinâmica afirma que a entropia total de um sistema isolado nunca diminui. Mas em um experimento de reversão de tempo em sistemas quânticos, seria possível observar uma diminuição efetiva na entropia? Como isso se reconcilia com a visão clássica da irreversibilidade?
 
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Priscilaifrj said:
a time-reversal experiment
How would you run such an experiment?