UAF Physics Department § Journal Club

Gedanken experiments have had a major role in advancing our understanding of the physical world. Better known in areas of post-classical physics, they also feature significantly in the field of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. A number of clever and imaginative thought experiments, from Carnot, Maxwell, Szilard, Landauer, and others, have long been used in the attempt to elucidate the concept of entropy and of the Second Law of Thermodynamics. Recently, some of these gedanken devices have been realized in the lab, bringing with them the ability to answer these questions -- and perhaps suggesting the need to revise the venerable Second Law.


	ABSTRACT Gedanken experiments have had a major role in advancing our understanding of the physical world. Better known in areas of post-classical physics, they also feature significantly in the field of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. A number of clever and imaginative thought experiments, from Carnot, Maxwell, Szilard, Landauer, and others, have long been used in the attempt to elucidate the concept of entropy and of the Second Law of Thermodynamics. Recently, some of these gedanken devices have been realized in the lab, bringing with them the ability to answer these questions -- and perhaps suggesting the need to revise the venerable Second Law.

	Friday, 2 October 2015
	Globe Room, Elvey Building
	3:45 PM