The Entropy Anomaly and the Linear Irreversible Thermodynamics

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that the entropy anomaly discussed in stochastic thermodynamics can be fully explained within classical linear irreversible thermodynamics, showing their equivalence under local equilibrium conditions.

Contribution

It bridges the gap between stochastic thermodynamics and classical thermodynamics by showing their results coincide for entropy anomalies under certain assumptions.

Findings

Entropy anomaly is accounted for in classical thermodynamics.

Classical and stochastic thermodynamics formulations agree under local equilibrium.

Linear response theory suffices to explain the entropy anomaly.

Abstract

The irreversible currents and entropy production rate of a dilute colloidal suspension are calculated using the linear irreversible thermodynamics and the linear response theory. The \anomalous" or \hidden" entropy recently discussed in the context of the stochastic thermodynamics is fully accounted in these classic frameworks. We show that the two distinct formulations lead to identical results as long as the local equilibrium assumption or, equivalently the linear response theory, is valid.