Probabilistic violation of entropy by radiation

In summary, a solid body at a constant temperature experiences heat transportation through conduction and radiation. The radiative component involves d-d electronic transitions that emit photons, which are then absorbed by molecules elsewhere in the body. The direction of emission is indeterministic on a quantum level. It is possible for entropy to be violated on small scales, but the likelihood decreases as the size of the system increases. This means that heat can potentially be transported from regions of low temperature to regions of high temperature. This is a regular occurrence over small scales and timescales, but improbable for large bodies. The fluctuation theorem explains the statistical nature of entropy increase.
  • #1
Hypatio
151
1
Consider a solid body at some constant temperature. Heat is transported by conduction and radiation. The radiative component transports heat by the d-d electronic transitions which emit photons and they are absorbed by molecules somewhere else in the body. I presume that the direction of emission is quantum mechanically indeterministic.

It seems that entropy will only hold by a law of large numbers and thus entropy is regularly violated on small scales with the probability of a certain magnitude of entropy violation decreasing with the size of the system.

In other words, while very improbable, it could occur that in our body of constant temperature, a large number of photons could be emitted on one side of the body which is absorbed by the other side of the body. This would mean that heat can be radiatively transported from regions of low temperature to regions of high temperature. Although improbable for large bodies, it would also seem that this would be a regular occurrence over small scales and timescales.

Thoughts?
 
Science news on Phys.org
  • #2
You have observed that the rule that entropy always increases is statistical.
 
  • #3
See the fluctuation theorem wikipedia article for the mathematical statement of the probabilistic nature of entropy.
 

Related to Probabilistic violation of entropy by radiation

1. What is probabilistic violation of entropy by radiation?

Probabilistic violation of entropy by radiation refers to the phenomenon in which the second law of thermodynamics, which states that entropy (or disorder) in a closed system must increase over time, is violated by radiation particles. This means that the entropy of a system can decrease over time due to the random and unpredictable behavior of radiation particles, leading to a decrease in disorder.

2. How does radiation cause a violation of entropy?

Radiation particles have a random and probabilistic nature, meaning that they can behave in unpredictable ways. When these particles interact with a system, they can transfer energy and cause a decrease in the system's entropy. This is because the particles may become more organized and decrease disorder within the system.

3. Can the violation of entropy by radiation be observed in real-life situations?

Yes, the violation of entropy by radiation has been observed in various real-life situations. One example is the phenomenon of laser cooling, where radiation is used to decrease the entropy and cool down a system of particles. Another example is the spontaneous formation of structures, such as crystals, due to the decrease in entropy caused by radiation.

4. How does the probabilistic nature of radiation particles affect the violation of entropy?

The probabilistic nature of radiation particles plays a crucial role in the violation of entropy. Since these particles behave in unpredictable ways, it is impossible to accurately predict their effects on a system. This leads to a violation of the second law of thermodynamics, as the decrease in entropy caused by radiation cannot be fully explained or predicted.

5. Are there any potential implications of the violation of entropy by radiation?

The violation of entropy by radiation has significant implications in various fields, including physics, chemistry, and biology. It challenges our understanding of the second law of thermodynamics and can potentially lead to new discoveries and advancements in these fields. Additionally, it has practical applications, such as in the development of more efficient cooling methods and the creation of new materials through controlled decreases in entropy.

Similar threads

The Second Law of Thermodynamics and the Stefan-Boltzmann Law
    • Thermodynamics
Replies
6
Views
1K
How to think about entropy microstates/macrostates for a gas in a box
    • Thermodynamics
Replies
1
Views
787
Questions About Stephan's Law of Thermal Radiation
    • Thermodynamics
Replies
5
Views
1K
Is entropy always bound to increase, even on a small scale?
    • Thermodynamics
Replies
13
Views
2K
Question about infrared radiation
    • Thermodynamics
Replies
8
Views
1K
The Draper point and why can't we see human radiation
    • Thermodynamics
Replies
14
Views
1K
I Irreversible adiabatic processes & entropy change (clarification needed)
    • Thermodynamics
Replies
22
Views
2K
Radiation - mode of heat transfer
    • Thermodynamics
Replies
6
Views
2K
How does radiation become heat?
    • Thermodynamics
Replies
20
Views
9K
Difference between IR and heat
    • Thermodynamics
2
Replies
43
Views
6K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top