Kastner, Ruth (2017) On Quantum Non-Unitarity as a Basis for the Second Law of Thermodynamics. [Preprint]
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Abstract
It was first suggested by Albert that the existence of real, physical non-unitarity at the quantum level would yield a complete explanation for the increase of entropy over time in macroscopic systems. An alternative understanding of the source of non-unitarity is presented herein, in terms of the Transactional Interpretation. The present model provides a specific physical justification for Boltzmann’s Stosszahlansatz (assumption of molecular chaos), thereby changing its status from an ad hoc postulate to a theoretically grounded result, without requiring any change to the basic quantum theory. In addition, it is argued that TI provides an elegant way of reconciling, via collapse, the time-reversible Liouville evolution with the time-irreversible evolution inherent in master equations. The present model is contrasted with the GRW ‘spontaneous collapse’ theory previously suggested for this purpose by Albert.
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| Item Type: | Preprint | ||||||
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| Keywords: | Second Law of Thermodynamics; irreversibility; entropy; H-Theorem; transactional interpretation; wave function collapse. | ||||||
| Subjects: | Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics Specific Sciences > Physics > Statistical Mechanics/Thermodynamics |
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| Depositing User: | Ruth E. Kastner | ||||||
| Date Deposited: | 14 Feb 2017 15:42 | ||||||
| Last Modified: | 14 Feb 2017 15:42 | ||||||
| Item ID: | 12822 | ||||||
| Subjects: | Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics Specific Sciences > Physics > Statistical Mechanics/Thermodynamics |
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| Date: | 25 December 2017 | ||||||
| URI: | https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/12822 |
Available Versions of this Item
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A Physical Basis for the Second Law of Thermodynamics: Quantum Nonunitarity. (deposited 27 Dec 2016 17:09)
- On Quantum Non-Unitarity as a Basis for the Second Law of Thermodynamics. (deposited 14 Feb 2017 15:42) [Currently Displayed]
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