Variability as a better characterization of Shannon entropy. (19th May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Carcassi, Gabriele; Aidala, Christine A; Barbour, Julian
• Is Part Of: European journal of physics. Volume 42:Number 4(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-05-19
• Subjects: Shannon entropy -- statistical mechanics -- information theory; Physics -- Periodicals; Physics -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- Europe -- Periodicals; 530
• DOI: 10.1088/1361-6404/abe361
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0143-0807

Abstract

Abstract: The Shannon entropy, one of the cornerstones of information theory, is widely used in physics, particularly in statistical mechanics. Yet its characterization and connection to physics remain vague, leaving ample room for misconceptions and misunderstanding. We will show that the Shannon entropy can be fully understood as measuring the variability of the elements within a given distribution: it characterizes how much variation can be found within a collection of objects. We will see that it is the only indicator that is continuous and linear, that it quantifies the number of yes/no questions (i.e. bits) that are needed to identify an element within the distribution, and we will see how applying this concept to statistical mechanics in different ways leads to the Boltzmann, Gibbs and von Neumann entropies.