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James Clark Maxwell with his demon
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James Clark Maxwell with his demon
James Clark Maxwell and his demon, artwork. Maxwell (1831-1879) is best known for his laws of electromagnetism, which laid the foundations for modern physics. His " demon" was a thought experiment to question the Second Law of Thermodynamics: the entropy of a system tends to increase. This means that a hot region cannot draw heat from a colder region. Maxwells demon is a being that can operate a door between a hot and cold gas, opening it to allow a fast-moving (hot) molecule to pass to the hot side, or a slow- moving one to pass to the cold side. This would violate the second law. However, as the demon requires energy to distinguish between fast and slow approaching molecules, and to operate the door, the entropy of the system increases anyway
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Media ID 6411441
© BILL SANDERSON/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Black And White Demon Entropy Monochrome Image Physicist Portraits Scientist Scottish Surname M Thermodynamics Thought Experiment Mono Chrome Physical
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This artwork titled "James Clark Maxwell and His Demon" depicts the renowned Scottish physicist, James Clark Maxwell (1831-1879), alongside his groundbreaking thought experiment. Known for formulating the laws of electromagnetism that revolutionized modern physics, Maxwell's intellectual prowess is beautifully captured in this monochrome illustration from the 19th century. Maxwell's demon was a profound challenge to the Second Law of Thermodynamics, which states that entropy within a system tends to increase over time. The thought experiment introduced a being capable of selectively allowing fast-moving molecules to pass from a hot region to a cold one, contradicting this fundamental law. However, as depicted in this artwork, even with its extraordinary abilities, the demon requires energy both to discern between different molecule speeds and operate the door separating the two regions. Consequently, it inadvertently contributes to an overall increase in entropy. The image showcases Maxwell as an adult Caucasian male with an air of intellect and curiosity surrounding him. It serves as a visual representation of his significant contributions to physics while highlighting his fascination with thermodynamics and its intricate principles. With its historical significance and scientific depth, this monochrome portrait invites viewers into Maxwell's world—a realm where imagination meets rigorous inquiry—where he challenged established notions and pushed boundaries at every turn.
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