Okay physics nerds, solve this.
I have a box. The box is divided in two. One side contains fast moving hot particles. The other side contains slow moving cold particles. Both sides contain 50 particles each. I remove the divider and the particles interact. The box has reached its highest entropy state.
How long will it take for all the particles to return to their side of the box, effectively reversing entropy?
Why do you need the chin to make your homework ?
They won't. That's what entropy is.
Not enough information to give a full answer.
>Size of the box
>Diffusion rate
>Type of medium
However, the answer is basically never. The probability of all particles to return to their side is just to small.
Exactly 69 minutes and 420 seconds bro
Faster than the time it would take for you to lose your virginity.
>Size of the box
1 cubic meter
>Type of medium
Air
>However, the answer is basically never. The probability of all particles to return to their side is just to small.
There is still a non-zero probability chance for it to occur though. It would take an extremely long amount of time, but it will still happen. The number of states the particles can be arranged is 3.43*10^157.
Incorrect, and based on a limited understanding of particles because of ignoring the quantum fluctuations.
Correct
>the answer is basically never. The probability of all particles to return to their side is just to small.
Except in a situation where the situation has infinite time.
In any system small quantum fluctuations that would result in small, imperceptible reversals in entropy of a system can have 'runs', though these are incredibly unlikely. Unlikely does not mean impossible. Given enough time a 'run' of quantum fluctuations which effectively reverse ALL entropy in a system will eventually occur. Infinite time is by definition enough time to repeat every possible configuration infinite times. Therefore while I cannot answer your question with any certitude because the time required for complete reversal of entropy in your box is longer than the lifespan of this iteration of the universe, I can state conclusively that is must be possible, and those telling you it is not are people with sufficient understanding to have confidence to answer absolutely, but not sufficient understanding to draw accurate conclusions.
The entropy is a statistical effet, way more ways to be in mixed position so the question is not how much time, but in x time what is the chance of assuming the starting position. Regardles of time almost non existentiary
1: They never will.
2: The particles will continue to lose energy to the surrounding environment, unless you're going to claim the box is perfectly energy-reflective.
3: Quantum shit doesn't exist.