Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology => Topic started by: Geezer on 17/02/2011 21:23:52

Title: Can I make Maxwell's demon?
Post by: Geezer on 17/02/2011 21:23:52

Is it possible to build a Maxwell's demon to supercool atoms without violating the second law of thermodynamics?

Title: Can I make Maxwell's demon?
Post by: JP on 17/02/2011 21:38:14

Yes, in theory.  The entropy of the atoms decreases, but the demon has to itself run on energy.  Because of this, the demon causes entropy elsewhere to increase.  The demon + atom system together obeys the second law of thermodynamics.  Coming up with a practical way to sort atoms by their energy is going to present additional practical difficulties.