The case of the disappearing energy: potential energies in concentration gradients
-
Lee D. Hansen
and
H. Dennis Tolley
Abstract
This paper reviews observations on processes involving concentration gradients to show that (1) Concentration gradients can do external work during discharge if the system is arranged in a manner that requires it. (2) Work has to be done on the system (i.e. energy has to be added) to create a concentration gradient. (3) Concentration gradients can spontaneously discharge with no change in energy except interaction energy. These three observations are significant since, together, these observations demonstrate an apparent violation of the law of conservation of energy which is resolved by proposing that a probability field is a common element for all concentration gradients. This paper thus introduces two new concepts into thermodynamics: (1) Many spontaneous processes occur because of an increase in probability, not because of a decrease in the energy state of the system. (2) Concentration gradients coincide with a probability field and a constraint-dependent and temperature-dependent potential energy.
Acknowledgments
LDH recognizes the non-financial support of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT during a long and productive retirement. No financial support, except university salaries for BFW and HDT, was received for this work.
References
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- IUPAC Recommendations
- Definition of materials chemistry (IUPAC Recommendations 2024)
- Research Articles
- Positional microstates and probability fields in real systems
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- The case of the disappearing energy: potential energies in concentration gradients
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Articles in the same Issue
- Frontmatter
- In this issue
- IUPAC Recommendations
- Definition of materials chemistry (IUPAC Recommendations 2024)
- Research Articles
- Positional microstates and probability fields in real systems
- Synthesis, characterization and antioxidant screening of a 1,10-phenanthroline-based tetraza-macrocyclic ligand and its nickel complex with therapeutic potential and catalytic significance
- Comprehensive evaluation of physical properties and carbon dioxide capacities of new 2-(butylamino)ethanol-based deep eutectic solvents
- Comprehensive evaluation of the impact of ionic liquid incorporation on the optical properties, Urbach energy, thin film morphology, and surface roughness of poly(vinyl chloride) based on ionic materials
- The impact of nanofiller composition and nature on the enhancement of mechanical and rheological properties of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) nanobiocomposite films is achieved by regulating the spacing of organic fillers and PLA crystallinity
- The case of the disappearing energy: potential energies in concentration gradients
- Removal of metaldehyde pesticide from aquatic media using modified cellulose obtained from Populus nigra plant, as potential adsorbent
- New half sandwich complexes of ruthenium(ii) and iridium(iii). Study of their toxicity against Hela
