Decoherence and Entropy: Which Dominates Over Time?

In summary, decoherence and entropy are two distinct concepts in the field of quantum mechanics. Decoherence refers to the loss of coherence and superposition in a quantum system due to its interaction with the environment, while entropy measures the disorder within a system. Decoherence causes a quantum system to behave classically and is an irreversible process, while entropy is related to the arrow of time and always increases over time. The understanding of these concepts is crucial for the development of quantum technologies and can also shed light on the fundamental laws of physics and the origins of the universe.
  • #1
Loren Booda
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4
Decoherence may involve the minimization or constancy of states. (Physics of the Impossible, by Michio Kaku, page 248.)

Entropy involves the maximization of states. (Any statistical mechanics textbook.)

1. Does one eventually overcome the other as time approaches infinity?

2. Could there be an oscillation between the number of decoherent and entropic states?

3. Is there a simple law of decoherence as there is a law of entropy?

4. Is spacetime evolving toward pure discretization?

5. Do quantum numbers decrease, remain constant, or increase in time?
 
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  • #2


I would like to provide some insights into the questions posed in this forum post.

1. The relationship between decoherence and entropy is complex and not fully understood. While decoherence may involve the minimization or constancy of states, entropy involves the maximization of states. It is difficult to say whether one will eventually overcome the other as time approaches infinity. The concept of time approaching infinity is also a theoretical concept and may not have a definite answer in reality.

2. It is possible that there could be an oscillation between the number of decoherent and entropic states. However, this would depend on the specific system and the interactions involved. More research is needed to fully understand the dynamics of such systems.

3. The concept of decoherence is relatively new and there is not yet a simple law that governs it, unlike the well-established law of entropy. However, there are theories and models being developed to understand and predict decoherence, but they are still being tested and refined.

4. The idea of spacetime evolving towards pure discretization is a topic of ongoing research and debate. Some theories suggest that at the quantum level, spacetime may be discrete, while others propose a continuous nature of spacetime. Further research and experimentation are needed to determine the true nature of spacetime.

5. The behavior of quantum numbers is dependent on the specific system and interactions involved. In some cases, quantum numbers may decrease, while in others they may remain constant or increase. It is not possible to make a general statement about the behavior of quantum numbers in time without considering the specific context.
 
  • #3


1. It is difficult to say definitively whether decoherence or entropy will ultimately overcome the other as time approaches infinity. Both concepts play important roles in different aspects of physics and can interact with each other in complex ways. It is possible that one may dominate in certain circumstances, while the other may dominate in others.

2. It is possible that there could be an oscillation between the number of decoherent and entropic states. This would depend on the specific system and conditions involved, and further research and experimentation would be needed to determine if this is the case.

3. While there are well-established laws of entropy in statistical mechanics, the concept of decoherence is still an area of active research and there is not yet a universally accepted "law" of decoherence. However, there are several proposed theories and models that attempt to explain the process of decoherence and its effects.

4. There is currently no evidence to suggest that spacetime is evolving toward pure discretization. While some theories, such as loop quantum gravity, propose that spacetime may be fundamentally discrete at the smallest scales, this is still a topic of debate and further research is needed to fully understand the nature of spacetime.

5. The behavior of quantum numbers in time can vary depending on the specific system and conditions involved. In some cases, quantum numbers may decrease due to decoherence or other factors, while in others they may remain constant or even increase. Again, this is a complex topic and further research is needed to fully understand the behavior of quantum numbers in different situations.
 

FAQ: Decoherence and Entropy: Which Dominates Over Time?

1. What is the difference between decoherence and entropy?

Decoherence refers to the process by which a quantum system becomes entangled with its surrounding environment, leading to loss of coherence and superposition. Entropy, on the other hand, is a measure of the disorder or randomness within a system. While decoherence involves the interaction of a quantum system with its environment, entropy is a property of the system itself.

2. How does decoherence affect the behavior of a quantum system?

Decoherence causes a quantum system to lose its delicate state of superposition and become entangled with its environment. This leads to the appearance of classical behavior, where the system appears to collapse into a definite state. Decoherence also makes it difficult to observe quantum effects on a macroscopic scale.

3. Can decoherence be reversed?

No, decoherence is an irreversible process. Once a quantum system has become entangled with its environment, it is nearly impossible to reverse the process and regain the original state of coherence. However, careful control and manipulation of the system can minimize the effects of decoherence.

4. How does entropy relate to the arrow of time?

The arrow of time refers to the asymmetry of time, where the past and future are not treated equally. Entropy plays a crucial role in this concept, as it always increases over time. This means that the direction of time is determined by the increase of entropy, with systems becoming more disordered and random over time.

5. What are the practical implications of understanding decoherence and entropy?

Understanding decoherence and entropy is crucial for the development of quantum technologies, such as quantum computing and quantum cryptography. It also has implications for our understanding of the fundamental laws of physics and the origins of the universe. Additionally, understanding these concepts can help us better control and manipulate quantum systems for practical applications.

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