Metronomes Synchronizing: Entropy & the 2nd Law

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In summary, the conversation discusses a video on YouTube showing 32 metronomes synchronizing in just over 2 minutes despite being started at different times. This phenomenon is explained by the shared floating base causing those out of phase to gradually shift closer to phase. The second law of thermodynamics, which is related to random interactions, is not violated in this case. The conversation also suggests performing an experiment by failing to wind up the metronomes to further understand this phenomenon.
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jeffinbath
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There is a fascinating demo on YouTube of "32 metronomes synchronizing". They are all started at different times but in barely more than 2 minutes they are all synchronized and working as one unit. If you have not seen this then go to Google and type in "metronomes synchronizing".
Could somebody explain to me why this phenomenon is not disobeying the 2nd Law please.
 
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Hi and welcome to PF! They are synchronizing because they share a floating base which causes those out of phase with the majority to shift closer to phase a little every cycle. The second law of thermodynamics is related to random interactions.
 
  • #3
jeffinbath said:
There is a fascinating demo on YouTube of "32 metronomes synchronizing". They are all started at different times but in barely more than 2 minutes they are all synchronized and working as one unit. If you have not seen this then go to Google and type in "metronomes synchronizing".
Could somebody explain to me why this phenomenon is not disobeying the 2nd Law please.
Fail to wind them up and see what happens.
 
  • #4
jeffinbath said:
Could somebody explain to me why this phenomenon is not disobeying the 2nd Law please.

Could you explain why you think it is?

You have 32 coupled oscillators with some losses in the coupling. So there's no surprise that you end up in the lowest energy normal mode.
 

Related to Metronomes Synchronizing: Entropy & the 2nd Law

1. What is a metronome?

A metronome is a device used by musicians to keep a steady tempo while playing music. It produces a clicking or ticking sound at a specific beats per minute (BPM) to help musicians stay in rhythm.

2. What is the 2nd Law of Thermodynamics?

The 2nd Law of Thermodynamics states that in any isolated system, the total entropy (measure of disorder) will always increase over time. This means that energy will naturally flow from areas of higher concentration to areas of lower concentration, resulting in a decrease in usable energy and an increase in disorder.

3. How does a metronome synchronize with entropy and the 2nd Law?

A metronome can be thought of as a physical representation of entropy and the 2nd Law. As the metronome ticks at a steady tempo, it is continuously losing energy and becoming more disordered. This process is similar to how energy flows from areas of higher concentration (the metronome) to areas of lower concentration (the surrounding environment).

4. Can a metronome ever perfectly synchronize with entropy and the 2nd Law?

No, a metronome will never perfectly synchronize with entropy and the 2nd Law because it is a man-made device and is not a closed or isolated system. It is constantly being influenced by external factors and will eventually stop ticking due to factors such as battery life or wear and tear.

5. How does understanding metronomes and entropy relate to other scientific concepts?

Understanding the relationship between metronomes and entropy can help us understand other scientific concepts such as the concept of time, the arrow of time, and the concept of equilibrium in chemical reactions. It also highlights the importance of energy conservation and the inevitable increase of disorder in the universe.

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