A bit of computer memory is some physical object that can be in two different states, often interpreted as 0 and 1. A byte is eight bits, a kilobyte is 1024 (= 210) bytes, a megabyte is 1024 kilobytes, and a gigabyte is 1024 megabytes. Suppose that your computer erases or overwrites one gigabyte of memory, keeping no record of the information that was stored. Explain why this process must create a certain minimum amount of entropy, and calculate how much.

A bit of computer memory is some physical object that can be in two different states, often interpreted as 0 and 1. A byte is eight bits, a kilobyte is 1024 (= 210) bytes, a megabyte is 1024 kilobytes, and a gigabyte is 1024 megabytes. Suppose that your computer erases or overwrites one gigabyte of memory, keeping no record of the information that was stored. Explain why this process must create a certain minimum amount of entropy, and calculate how much.

Physics for Scientists and Engineers: Foundations and Connections

1st Edition

ISBN:9781133939146

Author:Katz, Debora M.

Publisher:Katz, Debora M.

Chapter19: Temperature, Thermal Expansion And Gas Laws

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 71PQ

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