Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2008
Journal Title
Journal of Scientific Exploration
Volume Number
22
Issue Number
4
First Page
459
Last Page
480
Version
Publisher PDF: the final published version of the article, with professional formatting and typesetting
Disciplines
Physics
Abstract
Energy is the lifeblood of civilization, but inexpensive, high energy density sources are rapidly being depleted and their exploitation is severely degrading the environment. This paper explores a radical solution to this energy-environmental dilemma. In the last 10–15 years, the universality of the second law of thermodynamics has fallen into serious theoretical doubt [1–3].Should it prove experimentally violable, this would open the door to a nearly limitless reservoir of ubiquitous, clean, recyclable energy. If economical, it could precipitate paradigm shifts in energy production, utilization and politics. In this paper, recent challenges to the second law are reviewed, with focus given to one for which laboratory experiments are planned. Possible consequences of its violation for technology, society and the environment are explored.
Digital USD Citation
Sheehan, D. P., "Energy, Entropy and the Environment (How to Increase the First by Decreasing the Second to Save the Third)" (2008). Physics and Biophysics: Faculty Scholarship. 5.
https://digital.sandiego.edu/phys-faculty/5