Effect of Thermodynamic Arrow of Time on Entropy | Chapter 5 | Current Perspective to Physical Science Research Vol. 9

This study assessed the influence of the thermodynamic arrow of time on entropy for boiled cooling water (physical process), the universe and the air (natural process). This was done by determining the entropies of boiled water, the universe and air. Entropy can be thought of as a measure of microscopic disorder, implying that the Second Law of thermodynamics asserts that time is asymmetrical with respect to the amount of order in an isolated system. This was achieved by using 1.5 litres of pure water, a 2-liter electric kettle, a digital thermometer, a digital weighing scale and a stopwatch. The entropy values of boiled water as it was cooling, were in negatives, that of the universe was in negatives and positives and that of air (natural process) was positive. This showed that for any physical process, (boiled cooling water and the universe) thermodynamic arrow of time does not influence entropy in the positive direction while for a natural process (air), the thermodynamic arrow of time influences entropy in the positive direction. The world was both non-spontaneous and spontaneous, the boiling cooling water was a non-spontaneous process, and the air was a spontaneous process. The study has demonstrated that the thermodynamic arrow of time only affects the entropies of natural processes in a forward direction; however, the entropy of physical processes can be affected both forward and backward.

Author(s) Details:

Opio Peter,
Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Technology and Innovations, Mountains of the Moon University, P.O. Box 87, Fortportla, Uganda.

Akullo Lydia
Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Uganda Martyrs University, P.O. Box 5498, Kampala, Uganda.

Bwayo Edward
Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Muni University, P.O. Box 725, Arua, Uganda.

Please see the link here: https://stm.bookpi.org/CPPSR-V9/article/view/14313

Natural Radioactivity of Building Materials Used in the Thoubal and Bishnupur Districts of Manipur, India | Chapter 4 | Current Perspective to Physical Science Research Vol. 9

Natural radioactivity concentrations have profound implications for our environment and the health of all living beings. Human have always been exposed to natural radiation throughout their life, which is out of control. Natural radioactivity levels in different types of houses vary due to different building materials. Assessment of this radioactivity of various types of houses is important because high levels of radioactivity may increase stochastic effects on humans including animals.

A study of natural radionuclides of different types of houses was conducted at 522 houses in the Thoubal and Bishnupur districts of Manipur, India. The average annual effective doses of gamma radiation levels in indoor and outdoor were estimated from the measurements using Micro R-survey meter and found as 1.3 ± 0.1 (range: 1.0 – 1.4) mSv/y and 0.8 ± 0.1 (range: 0.6 – 1.0) mSv/y for reinforced cement concrete (RCC) houses, followed by 1.1 ± 0.1 (range: 0.8 – 1.3) mSv/y and 0.7 ± 0.1 (range: 0.6 – 0.9) mSv/y for Assam-type (AT) brick houses, 1.0 ± 0.1 (range: 1.0 – 1.2) mSv/y and 0.8 ± 0.1 (range: 0.7 – 1.0) mSv/y for Adobe laid earthen houses, 0.8 ± 0.1 (range: 0.4 – 1.1) mSv/y and 0.7 ± 0.1(range: 0.2 – 1.0) mSv/y for AT mud houses and 0.7 ± 0.1 (range: 0.7 – 0.8) mSv/y and 0.7 ± 0.1 (range: 0.6 – 0.8) mSv/y for AT katcha houses. The activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K are 37 (range: 22 – 65) Bq/kg, 113 (range: 22 – 211) Bq/kg and 1196 (range: 689 – 2280) Bq/kg respectively. Moreover, the annual effective dose conceived from building material was found as 0.8 mSv/y from brick, followed by 0.7 mSv/y from sand, 0.6 mSv/y from Portland cement and 0.4 mSv/y from concrete.

Recognizing the implications of measured radioactivity concentrations of different types of houses reported by researchers is crucial for devising strategies to mitigate potential hazards associated with it. It is important for governments and regulatory bodies to establish guidelines and effective measures may be taken on particular types of houses with high levels of natural radioactivity to protect human beings and other organisms from radiation risks.

Author(s) Details:

H. Subhaschandra Singh,
Department of Physics, Manipur International University, Ghari-795140, Manipur, India.

A. Ronibala Devi
Department of Radiation Oncology, Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal-795004, Manipur, India.

B. Arunkumar Sharma
Department of Radiation Oncology, Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal-795004, Manipur, India.

Please see the link here: https://stm.bookpi.org/CPPSR-V9/article/view/14312