Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 1, 2026
08:35
Interactive and Visualized Online Experimentation System for Engineering Education and Research
Published on: November 24, 2021
2.9K
Apparent violations of the second law in two-level systems
Christoph Streißnig1, Holger Kantz1
1Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems, Nöthnitzer Straße 38, D-01187 Dresden, Germany.
Physical Review. E
|December 25, 2019
Summary
This study investigates two-level systems undergoing rapid energy changes. Researchers analyzed work distribution and second-law violation probabilities in thermodynamic and quasistatic limits.
Area of Science:
- Thermodynamics
- Quantum Mechanics
Background:
- Two-level systems are fundamental in quantum mechanics and thermodynamics.
- Understanding energy changes in these systems is crucial for quantum technologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the work distribution in two-level systems subjected to instantaneous energy level changes.
- To analyze the probability of second-law violations in thermodynamic and quasistatic limits.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical analysis of two-level quantum systems.
- Examination of work distribution functions.
- Investigation of second-law violation probabilities under different limiting conditions.
Main Results:
- The study reveals specific behaviors of work distribution as thermodynamic and quasistatic limits are approached.
- Quantified the probability of second-law violations in these limiting cases.
Conclusions:
- The findings provide insights into the non-equilibrium thermodynamics of quantum systems.
- This research contributes to understanding energy exchange and fundamental thermodynamic laws in quantum regimes.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Second Order systems II
352
In an underdamped second-order system, where the damping ratio ζ is between 0 and 1, a unit-step input results in a transfer function that, when transformed using the inverse Laplace method, reveals the output response. The output exhibits a damped sinusoidal oscillation, and the difference between the input and output is termed the error signal. This error signal also demonstrates damped oscillatory behavior. Eventually, as the system reaches a steady state, the error diminishes to zero.
352
01:20Second Order systems I
514
A servo system exemplifies a second-order system, featuring a proportional controller and load elements that ensure the output position aligns with the input position. The relationship between these components is described by a second-order differential equation. Applying the Laplace transform under zero initial conditions yields the transfer function, showing how inputs are converted to outputs in the system.
By reinterpreting the system, one can derive the closed-loop transfer function, which...
By reinterpreting the system, one can derive the closed-loop transfer function, which...
514
00:53Second Law of Thermodynamics
67.0K
The Second Law of Thermodynamics states that entropy, or the amount of disorder in a system, increases each time energy is transferred or transformed. Each energy transfer results in a certain amount of energy that is lost—usually in the form of heat—that increases the disorder of the surroundings. This can also be demonstrated in a classic food web. Herbivores harvest chemical energy from plants and release heat and carbon dioxide into the environment. Carnivores harvest the...
67.0K
02:49Second Law of Thermodynamics
26.5K
In the quest to identify a property that may reliably predict the spontaneity of a process, a promising candidate has been identified: entropy. Processes that involve an increase in entropy of the system (ΔS > 0) are very often spontaneous; however, examples to the contrary are plentiful. By expanding consideration of entropy changes to include the surroundings, a significant conclusion regarding the relation between this property and spontaneity may be reached. In thermodynamic models, the...
26.5K
01:14The Second Law of Thermodynamics
6.6K
In the quest to identify a property that may reliably predict the spontaneity of a process, a promising candidate has been identified: entropy. Scientists refer to the measure of randomness or disorder within a system as entropy. High entropy means high disorder and low energy. To better understand entropy, think of a student’s bedroom. If no energy or work were put into it, the room would quickly become messy. It would exist in a very disordered state, one of high entropy. Energy must be...
6.6K
01:18First Law: Particles in Two-dimensional Equilibrium
13.9K
Recall that a particle in equilibrium is one for which the external forces are balanced. Static equilibrium involves objects at rest, and dynamic equilibrium involves objects in motion without acceleration; but it is important to remember that these conditions are relative. For instance, an object may be at rest when viewed from one frame of reference, but that same object would appear to be in motion when viewed by someone moving at a constant velocity.
Newton's first law tells us about...
Newton's first law tells us about...
13.9K