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Why thermodynamics is a logical consequence of information theory
Author(s) -
Tribus Myron,
Shan Paul T.,
Evans Robert B.
Publication year - 1966
Publication title -
aiche journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.958
H-Index - 167
eISSN - 1547-5905
pISSN - 0001-1541
DOI - 10.1002/aic.690120208
Subject(s) - basis (linear algebra) , laws of thermodynamics , second law of thermodynamics , extended irreversible thermodynamics , theoretical physics , statistical physics , mathematical economics , thermodynamics , physics , mathematics , non equilibrium thermodynamics , geometry
An observation of the properties of bulk matter necessarily omits many details of the motion of the particles which comprise that matter. If a communication regarding the observation is to be consistent, it must conform to certain rules which follow from the theory of information. An analysis of the problem of deciding upon a consistent encoding for such observations leads, as a unique result, to the concepts and equations of classical thermodynamics. The information‐theory analysis of this problem also leads to a better understanding of the basis for the “laws” of thermodynamics.