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Updated: May 5, 2026
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An Analog Macroscopic Technique for Studying Molecular Hydrodynamic Processes in Dense Gases and Liquids
Published on: December 4, 2017
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Volume-Law Entropy as a Mesoscopic Anomaly
1Independent Researcher, London KT6 6DY, UK.
Entropy (Basel, Switzerland)
|May 4, 2026
Summary
This study unifies area-law and volume-law entropy scaling within a coarse-grained information framework. It reveals distinct thermodynamic regimes, explaining entropy scaling in quantum and gravitational systems.
Area of Science:
- Thermodynamics
- Quantum Information Theory
- Gravitational Physics
Background:
- Area-law entropy is observed in quantum states and gravity, contrasting with classical volume-extensive entropy.
- Classical thermodynamics relies on volume-extensive entropy, differing from quantum and gravitational phenomena.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a unified information-theoretic framework for understanding diverse entropy scaling.
- To reconcile area-law and volume-law entropy within a single thermodynamic picture.
Main Methods:
- Developed an effective free-energy functional incorporating Fisher information, a potential term, and Shannon entropy.
- Analyzed scaling behaviors across microscopic, intermediate, and large scales, considering localization, confinement, and gravitational self-interaction.
Main Results:
- Identified three distinct regimes of entropy scaling based on scale and physical interactions.
- Demonstrated area-type scaling at microscopic (quantum coherence) and large (gravitational) scales.
- Showcased volume-law entropy as an effective regime at intermediate scales, dependent on external support.
Conclusions:
- The proposed framework unifies different entropy scalings, clarifying the limitations of classical extensivity.
- Area-law scaling is a fundamental behavior in quantum and gravitational systems.
- The study provides a coarse-grained perspective on entropy scaling across diverse physical domains.
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