Maxwell conceived of a device (later called Maxwell's demon) that could use measurements of individual molecular speeds in a gas to separate faster molecules from slower ones. This device would operate a trap door between two (initially identical) compartments, allowing only faster molecules to pass one way and slower molecules the other way, thus creating a temperature imbalance. Then the temperature difference could be used to run a heat engine, and the result would be the production of mechanical work with no energy input. Of course this would violate the laws of thermodynamics. Discuss reasons why you think Maxwell's demon cannot work.

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Maxwell conceived of a device (later called Maxwell's demon) that could use measurements of individual molecular speeds in a gas to
separate faster molecules from slower ones. This device would operate a trap door between two (initially identical) compartments,
allowing only faster molecules to pass one way and slower molecules the other way, thus creating a temperature imbalance. Then the
temperature difference could be used to run a heat engine, and the result would be the production of mechanical work with no energy
input. Of course this would violate the laws of thermodynamics. Discuss reasons why you think Maxwell's demon cannot work.
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Transcribed Image Text:Maxwell conceived of a device (later called Maxwell's demon) that could use measurements of individual molecular speeds in a gas to separate faster molecules from slower ones. This device would operate a trap door between two (initially identical) compartments, allowing only faster molecules to pass one way and slower molecules the other way, thus creating a temperature imbalance. Then the temperature difference could be used to run a heat engine, and the result would be the production of mechanical work with no energy input. Of course this would violate the laws of thermodynamics. Discuss reasons why you think Maxwell's demon cannot work. Responses Reply Showing All Responses
r speeds in a gas to
compartments,
mbalance. Then the
work with no energy
cannot work.
Showing All Responses
HEY! NO NERDS ALLOWED
IN THIS CLUB!
BUT IF YOU SELECTIVELY
PERMIT ONLY COOL PEOPLE,
EVENTUALLY THE INTERIOR
WILL BE ENTIRELY COOL
AND THE EXTERIOR WILL...
MY GOD.
?
Shortly before the proposal of Maxwell's Demon.
ordered by Newest Responses
Transcribed Image Text:r speeds in a gas to compartments, mbalance. Then the work with no energy cannot work. Showing All Responses HEY! NO NERDS ALLOWED IN THIS CLUB! BUT IF YOU SELECTIVELY PERMIT ONLY COOL PEOPLE, EVENTUALLY THE INTERIOR WILL BE ENTIRELY COOL AND THE EXTERIOR WILL... MY GOD. ? Shortly before the proposal of Maxwell's Demon. ordered by Newest Responses
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