Quote:
Originally posted by Count Zero
The second law of thermodynamics states that the entropy of a closed system always increases. 
Actually, no thermodynamics law directly dictates that perpetual motion isn't possible.
If you try to build a thermodynamic cycle that is ideal, i.e. is the most efficient, you get what is called a Carnot cycle. Everything that is more efficient than that is banned from existence.
My gedanken experiment with two coffee cups and two engines is such a case. :p
|
Oh...gawd....flashbacks from my Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics class...
mommy please make it go away ...
:-)
(actually the class wasn't so bad)