3 ms·
I think the thermodynamics argument is that only non-reversible systems cause energy to flow from a lower-temperature source to a higher-temperature destination
by schoen 8y ago
I think the thermodynamics argument is that only non-reversible systems cause energy to flow from a lower-temperature source to a higher-temperature destination, not that all non-reversible systems do so. For example, if you set up a solar panel that directly feeds a resistor, you have a dissipative system that's unlikely to get hotter than the sun. However, a solar panel array and/or battery could conceivably power a fusion reaction that does get hotter than the sun.
- DenisM 8y ago>if you set up a solar panel that directly feeds a resistor, you have a dissipative system that's unlikely to get hotter than the sun. I guarantee you this can be done. Arc welding [1] goes to many thousands of degrees, up to 20,000C. A square mile of solar panels will most certainly give me enough energy to power an arc welder. In fact I will probably will get away with just 100kw of pwoer, so 500 panels give or take. [1] https://hypertextbook.com/facts/2003/EstherDorzin.shtml https://hypertextbook.com/facts/2003/EstherDorzin.shtml
- Dylan16807 8y agoOkay, sure, as long as you're not trying to say this contradicts the post. "A resistor" was just an example of how you could waste the power and not get much heat.