Entropy, Carnot Cycle and Information Theory, Part 2

This second part of this companion paper the Carnot cycle is analyzed trying to investigate the similarities and differences between a framework related to thermodynamics and one related to information theory. The parametric Schrodinger equations are the starting point for the framing. In the thermodynamics frame, a new interpretation of the free energy in the isothermal expansion and a new interpretation of the entropy in the adiabatic phase are highlighted. The same Schrodinger equations are then applied in an information theory framework. Again, it is shown that a cycle can be constructed with a diagram that presents the Lagrange parameter and the average codeword length as coordinates. In this case the adiabatic phase consists of a transcoding operation and the cycle as a whole shows a positive or negative balance of information. In conclusion, the Carnot cycle continues to be a source of knowledge of complex systems in which entropy plays a central role.

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Publication Details

Journal
Entropy
Published
2025-05-02
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/e27050493
Primary Topic
Advanced Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

Entropy, Carnot Cycle and Information Theory, Part 2

M. Martinelli
Entropy
Advanced Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
article

Entropy, Carnot Cycle and Information Theory, Part 2

M. Martinelli
article en

Abstract

This second part of this companion paper the Carnot cycle is analyzed trying to investigate the similarities and differences between a framework related to thermodynamics and one related to information theory. The parametric Schrodinger equations are the starting point for the framing. In the thermodynamics frame, a new interpretation of the free energy in the isothermal expansion and a new interpretation of the entropy in the adiabatic phase are highlighted. The same Schrodinger equations are then applied in an information theory framework. Again, it is shown that a cycle can be constructed with a diagram that presents the Lagrange parameter and the average codeword length as coordinates. In this case the adiabatic phase consists of a transcoding operation and the cycle as a whole shows a positive or negative balance of information. In conclusion, the Carnot cycle continues to be a source of knowledge of complex systems in which entropy plays a central role.

EntropyVol. 27(5)
Politecnico di Milano (IT)
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Openalex Percentile: Top 92%
Advanced Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
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