> if a small theoretical being sat at the door between the hot and cold rooms and only let through particles traveling at a certain speed. This theoretical imp is called "Maxwell's demon."
Maxwell's demon is considered a slight of hand because it requires energy to perform its task. But if a passive energy-free equivalent can be found with a novel quantum substrate then any liquid could be separated into hot and cold pools. I am highly sceptical of such a claim. The difference in temperature between these hypothetical pools would likely be too small to create any useful energy.
Maxwell's demon is considered a slight of hand because it requires energy to perform its task. But if a passive energy-free equivalent can be found with a novel quantum substrate then any liquid could be separated into hot and cold pools. I am highly sceptical of such a claim. The difference in temperature between these hypothetical pools would likely be too small to create any useful energy.
See also:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exergy
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermoelectric_generator