second law of thermodynamics Clausius' formulation of the second law states that heat cannot be transferred from a colder to a hotter body without some other effect, i.e. without work being done. Corollaries include the impossibility of converting heat entirely into work without some other effect, and the impossibility of perpetual motion machines of the second kind. Related category HEAT AND THERMODYNAMICS Also on this site: Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living Encyclopedia of History Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site) |