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[Phys-L] Re: entropy and electricity

Carl Mungan wrote in part:

Entropy is a statistical quantity,

Yes!

so I'm not sure what to make of the entropy of a single
quantum.

Single quantum isn't the issue. Single _state_ is the issue.

If you know you have a particular state with 64 photons,
the entropy is zero.

If you have a single photon that is equally likely to be in
any of 64 states, the entropy is 6 bits.

Entropy is _not knowing_.

=============

An amusing animation showing how entropy is increased by stirring, and
decreased by observation:
http://www.av8n.com/physics/entropy-sim.htm
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