English

Entropy and perpetual computers

Statistical Mechanics 2007-05-23 v2 High Energy Physics - Lattice High Energy Physics - Theory Quantum Physics

Abstract

A definition of entropy via the Kolmogorov algorithmic complexity is discussed. As examples, we show how the meanfield theory for the Ising model, and the entropy of a perfect gas can be recovered. The connection with computations are pointed out, by paraphrasing the laws of thermodynamics for computers. Also discussed is an approach that may be adopted to develop statistical mechanics using the algorithmic point of view.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.cond-mat/0310332,
  title  = {Entropy and perpetual computers},
  author = {Somendra M. Bhattacharjee},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:cond-mat/0310332},
  year   = {2007}
}

Comments

Based on Chanchal Majumdar memorial lectures given in Kolkata. 9 pages, 3 eps figures. For publication in "Physics Teacher"; v2. Sec 3 fragmented into smaller subsections