Loschmidt's paradox
In 1876 Loschmidt objected to the H-theorem on the ground that it should not be possible to deduce a time-irreversible process from time-symmetric dynamics. This was because for every path in a system that leads to an increase in entropy there is a reverse path that reduces it.
The apparent paradox is explained by the H-theorem's reliance on the "assumption of molecular chaos", which turns out to be time-asymmetric (see cross-linked element dealing with this assumption).
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Why do we see an entropy gradient? »Why do we see an entropy gradient?
Asymmetric physical processes »Asymmetric physical processes
Bolztmann's H-theorem »Bolztmann's H-theorem
Loschmidt's paradox
Assumption of molecular chaos »Assumption of molecular chaos
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