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Chapter 20: Problem 12

While looking at a very small system, a scientist observes that the entropy of the system spontaneously decreases. If true, is this a Nobel-winning discovery or is it not that significant?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Explain your answer. Answer: While spontaneous decreases in entropy in very small systems are intriguing and seemingly challenge the Second Law of Thermodynamics, it is too early to claim them as Nobel-winning discoveries. In small systems, statistical fluctuations or quantum phenomena might play a significant role, leading to short-lived effects or experimental errors. Further research and investigation are needed to confirm the observation's validity and general applicability. To earn a Nobel prize, the scientist would need to show how these findings impact our understanding of entropy, thermodynamics, and their applications in various fields of science, technology, and engineering.

Step by step solution

01

Understand Entropy

Entropy is a measure of the disorder or randomness in a thermal system. In natural systems, the Second Law of Thermodynamics states that the total entropy of an isolated system can never decrease over time; it can only increase or remain the same. This principle is based on the observation that energy tends to disperse and spread out uniformly.
02

Evaluate the Significance of the Observation

A spontaneous decrease in entropy of a system is an extraordinary observation, as it goes against the Second Law of Thermodynamics. If this observation is true and can be replicated consistently under similar conditions, it might challenge our understanding of fundamental physics.
03

Consider the System's Size and Relevance

The exercise mentions that the scientist is observing a "very small system." It is important to note that statistical fluctuations or quantum phenomena might play a significant role in the behavior of such small systems. The decrease in entropy might be a short-lived effect due to unaccounted factors or experimental errors. If the same phenomenon could be observed in larger systems, it would raise more questions and potentially be of more significant importance.
04

Nobel-winning Discovery or Not?

It is too early to claim whether this observation is a Nobel-winning discovery. While it is certainly intriguing and challenges our understanding of thermodynamics, further research and investigation are needed to confirm the observation's validity and general applicability. More importantly, the scientist would need to show how these findings could impact our understanding of entropy, thermodynamics, and their applications in various fields of science, technology, and engineering.

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