Cato edited Gibbs.tex  over 10 years ago

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\subsubsection{Resolution according to Jaynes}  \citet{Jaynes_1980} says that the entropy increase has to be treated more ``subjectively''. Entropy production is not absolute: if {\it we} cannot distinguish the properties of two mixing gases, then there is no entropy increase and no work required to un-mix them. If we can distinguish the gases, then this is no longer true. To repeat, if the particles are experimentally indistinguishable for whatever reason, Gibbs' paradox is resolved.\footnote{In the quantum realm, this indistinguishability may be true as a matter of principle, rather than being due to an insufficiently refined experimental capability.}  What this suggests to me is that a colour-blind person will calculate zero entropy generation when a box of green balls mix with a box of red balls. But a normally-sighted person calculates some entropy increase. Is Jaynes saying that they can both be right?  %%--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------