Blocking the symmetry of motion and the second law

In summary, the conversation discusses an article about a mechanical metamaterial that responds strongly to motion and how it relates to the 2nd law of thermodynamics. The article does not mention anything about violating the 2nd law, but the reader wonders if it is possible to make a closed system that produces infinite energy. The other person in the conversation suggests that the interpretation of the article may not be accurate and that the material could have practical applications without violating thermodynamics laws. The conversation also touches on the concept of perpetual motion machines, which is not related to the article.
  • #1
Papatom
9
0
Hi,

The article below states that they made a material that blocks the motion of molecules in only one way but passing the other way is possible. See the article.

https://physicsworld.com/a/blocking-the-symmetry-of-motion/

This seems to me in contrast with the second law. You can for example make the pressure higher in one compartiment without using energy. Than you use the difference in pressure to produce electricity or motion or whatever. If you would have a closed system the temperature would drop. If you do not have a closed system you can produce energy infinite.

Can somebody explain to me what my mistake is?
 
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  • #2
Is this more than a small scale ratchet mechanism?
The introductory passage "A mechanical metamaterial that responds strongly to motion" is a bit confusing. What sort of "response" is involved?
Papatom said:
You can for example make the pressure higher in one compartiment without using energy.
How would you achieve this? Would you not need an initial pressure difference to produce motion? You may be reading more into this than the Nature article seems to imply. The Physics World journalist's interpretation of what he read may not be the best source for the 'facts'. The original work could produce useful practical applications without violating thermodynamics laws.
 
  • #3
Papatom said:
This seems to me in contrast with the second law.
The article said nothing about violating the 2nd law. You are just making that up. From what the article described the material is stiffer in one direction than in the opposite direction. That is strange and potentially useful, but no violation of the 2nd law.

Papatom said:
You can for example make the pressure higher in one compartiment without using energy. Than you use the difference in pressure to produce electricity or motion or whatever. If you would have a closed system the temperature would drop. If you do not have a closed system you can produce energy infinite.
This is also not even remotely implied by the article. You are completely fabricating this.

We do not discuss perpetual motion machines here. Thread closed
 
  • #4

1. What is the symmetry of motion and why is it important?

The symmetry of motion refers to the principle that the laws of physics remain the same regardless of the direction or orientation of an object. This concept is important because it allows us to make accurate predictions about the behavior of objects in the universe.

2. How does blocking the symmetry of motion violate the second law of thermodynamics?

The second law of thermodynamics states that the total entropy (disorder) of a closed system will always increase over time. When the symmetry of motion is blocked, this leads to a decrease in entropy and violates the second law.

3. Can you provide an example of blocking the symmetry of motion?

One example of blocking the symmetry of motion is a perpetual motion machine, which claims to generate energy without any external input. This would violate the second law of thermodynamics, as it suggests a decrease in entropy without any increase in energy.

4. How does understanding the symmetry of motion and the second law impact scientific research?

Understanding the symmetry of motion and the second law is crucial for conducting accurate and reliable scientific research. It allows scientists to make precise predictions about the behavior of systems and helps to ensure that experiments are conducted in a way that follows the laws of physics.

5. Are there any potential applications or implications of blocking the symmetry of motion?

While some have proposed the idea of violating the symmetry of motion for potential energy-generating applications, there is currently no scientific evidence to support this concept. In fact, attempts to block the symmetry of motion have consistently failed, further confirming the validity of the second law of thermodynamics.

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