Physics
Working with a tiny cantilever, physicists managed to violate the second law of thermodynamics, using less energy than expected to change the cantilever’s motion
By Karmela Padavic-Callaghan
Not all diving boards obey the laws of thermodynamics
vm/Getty Images
A microscopic version of a diving board has been driven to cheat the second law of thermodynamics 95 per cent of the time. The finding doesn’t challenge the validity of the law, but underscores how different the rules of the microscopic world can be.
The behaviour of our world is constrained by this physical law. Among other things, it sets the minimum energy expended for changing the state of something, such as putting an idle motor into a steady and controlled state of motion.
But everything is different when…
View introductory offers
No commitment, cancel anytime*
Offer ends 2nd of July 2024.
*Cancel anytime within 14 days of payment to receive a refund on
unserved issues.
Inclusive of applicable taxes (VAT)
or
Existing subscribers
Sign in to your account
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features
>>> Read full article>>>
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source : New Scientist – https://www.newscientist.com/article/2438992-a-microscopic-diving-board-can-cheat-the-second-law-of-thermodynamics/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home
