Machine A and machine B are performing the same task

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the comparison of two machines, A and B, performing the same task, with a focus on their respective entropy changes. Participants explore the implications of these entropy changes on efficiency and effectiveness, considering various definitions of the task and the quality of the output.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants argue that higher entropy indicates greater disorder, suggesting a preference for Machine B due to its lower entropy change.
  • Others propose that the term "entropy change" does not specify whether it is an increase or decrease, leading to the interpretation that Machine A may be more effective if it achieves the desired outcome with a greater entropy change.
  • One participant highlights that if both machines produce the same output, the additional entropy from Machine A could signify inefficiencies or losses.
  • A participant raises the question of how "the same task" is defined, suggesting that if Machine A represents two instances of Machine B working together, the choice could differ based on that interpretation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the implications of entropy changes, with no consensus on which machine is preferable. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the definitions and interpretations of the task and entropy changes.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the clarity of the question depends on the assumptions made about the task and the nature of the entropy changes, which are not fully specified.

edwin.07
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1. Machine A and machine B are performing the same task. Machine A is causing twice the entropy change of machine B. Which would you rather use and why?




3. I would choose Machine B. Lots of disorder = high entropy, while order = low entropy.
 
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Why do you prefer order (and where)? ;)
I think we have to assume that the product is the same in both cases, otherwise it clearly depends on the quality of the product.
 
1. Machine A and machine B are performing the same task. Machine A is causing twice the entropy change of machine B. Which would you rather use and why?

It says "entropy change" not "entropy increase" or "entropy decrease". Presumably the "change" is in the required direction or you wouldn't use either machine!

So I would choose machine A as it appears to be twice as effective at doing what you want.
 
CWatters said:
It says "entropy change" not "entropy increase" or "entropy decrease". Presumably the "change" is in the required direction or you wouldn't use either machine!

So I would choose machine A as it appears to be twice as effective at doing what you want.
I think edwin.07 correctly identified the direction the total entropy of the system has to take.
If those entropy changes are meant for specific parts of the setup only, the question becomes very unclear.
 
Ok yes. The total entropy of a closed system only ever increases. So if the entropy of the wanted output is the same for both then the extra entropy created by machine A must represent extra losses/inefficiency.
 
The choice depends upon how you want to define 'the same task' - ie is it a single task or repetative?

Machine A could be two machine B's working in tandem.
Then which do you choose?
and why?
 
Last edited:

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