Can dissipated energy be harnessed through repeated friction?

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In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of harnessing the energy that is transferred to molecules when a piece of wood is heated by rubbing sandpaper on it. However, this method would not be able to overcome the second law of thermodynamics as there will always be wasted heat and eventually both sources will reach the same temperature. The 2nd law also states that any process will result in some wasted heat, even if it is recovered.
  • #1
hammertime
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This is a hypothetical question. Suppose you were to run a piece of sandpaper over a piece of wood repeatedly and quickly, thus heating the surface of the wood. The wood would then transfer that heat to the local molecules in the air, right? Could that energy which is transferred to the molecules somehow be harnessed? Couldn't this be a way to overcome the second law of thermodynamics?
 
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  • #2
Yes, it would. And since you can't "overcome the second law of thermodynamics"...

References to using heat to do work depend upon there being a two different sources of heat, one being hotter than the other. Since that is, in a sense, a "structure", the situation is not completely random, you can do work by transferring heat from the hotter to the cooler. Of course, that then destroys the "structure", eventually reducing both sources to the same temperature.
 
  • #3
All the 2nd law tells you is that there is always going to be wasted heat. Even if you recover it, the next process you use it in is still going to waste some.
 

1. How can dissipated energy be reused?

Dissipated energy can be reused through various methods such as energy harvesting, regenerative braking, and thermoelectric conversion. These methods involve capturing and converting wasted energy into usable forms of energy, such as electricity.

2. What are the benefits of reusing dissipated energy?

The benefits of reusing dissipated energy include reducing energy waste, reducing the need for non-renewable energy sources, and decreasing carbon emissions. It can also save money on energy costs and increase overall energy efficiency.

3. Can any type of dissipated energy be reused?

Not all types of dissipated energy can be easily reused. Some energy forms, such as sound and heat, are more easily converted and reused than others. It also depends on the specific technology and resources available for energy reuse.

4. What are some common applications of reusing dissipated energy?

There are many common applications of reusing dissipated energy, including powering electronic devices, lighting streetlights, and heating or cooling buildings. It can also be used in industrial processes and transportation systems.

5. Are there any challenges to reusing dissipated energy?

There are some challenges to reusing dissipated energy, such as the cost of implementing energy reuse technologies, the availability of suitable energy sources, and the efficiency of the conversion process. Additionally, there may be regulatory or infrastructural barriers that need to be overcome in order to fully utilize dissipated energy.

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