The nature of a physical law is examined, and the possibility that there may not be any laws is explored. It is argued that much of the regularities we observe in nature may be explained by symmetries. This approach gives an arrow of time which is consistent with the one given by the second law of thermodynamics. Also, it builds in the intrinsic indeterminacy of quantum mechanics from the outse...

The fundamental limit to photovoltaic efficiency is widely thought to be radiative recombination which balances radiative absorption. We here show that it is possible to break detailed balance via quantum coherence, as in the case of lasing without inversion and the photo-Carnot quantum heat engine. This yields, in principle, a quantum limit to photovoltaic operation which can exceed the classi...

This paper explores the scientific viability of the concept of causality—by questioning a central element of the distinction between “fundamental” and non-fundamental physics. It will be argued that the prevalent emphasis on fundamental physics involves formalistic and idealized partial models of physical regularities abstracting from and idealizing the causal evolution of physical systems. The...

In research articles and patents several methods have been proposed for the extraction of zero-point energy from the vacuum. None has been reliably demonstrated, but the proposals remain largely unchallenged. In this paper the feasibility of these methods is assessed in terms of underlying thermodynamics principles of equilibrium, detailed balance, and conservation laws. The methods are separat...

The first law of thermodynamics dictates that body mass remains constant when caloric intake equals caloric expenditure. It should be noted, however, that different diets lead to different biochemical pathways that are not equivalent when correctly compared through the laws of thermodynamics. It is inappropriate to assume that the only thing that counts in terms of food consumption and energy b...

These are the lecture notes from Professor Andrew Strominger’s Physics 211r: Black Holes from A to Z course given in Spring 2015, at Harvard University. It is the first half of a survey of black holes focusing on the deep puzzles they present concerning the relations between general relativity, quantum mechanics and thermodynamics. Topics include: causal structure, event horizons, Penrose diagr...

In general, thermodynamics is the study of laws governing processes which involve heat changes. It includes the study of conditions under which various substances exist in chemical equilibria, the consequences of chemical reactions and the interchange of heat and other forms of energy when a chemical re action occurs. In the field of nuclear technology, it is necessary to know how construction ...