On the Equivalence of von Neumann and Thermodynamic Entropy

Abstract

In 1939, von Neumann argued for the equivalence of the thermodynamic entropy and $-\text{Tr}\rho \ln \rho$, since known as the von Neumann entropy. Hemmo and Shenker (2006) recently challenged this argument by pointing out an alleged discrepancy between the two entropies in the single particle case, concluding that they must be distinct. In this article, their argument is shown to be problematic as it a) allows for a violation of the second law of thermodynamics and b) is based on an incorrect calculation of the von Neumann entropy.

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