Consider the following idea: A ship heats its boilers and propels itself without the use of coal or oil in the following way. it pumps in warm sea water; extracts heat from that sea water; concentrates the extracted heat in its boilers; and discharges the cold water back into the ocean. The extracted heat in the boilers is then used to do work and propel the ship as usual. Does this violate a law of thermodynamics?

A) Yes, the 0th law.

B) Yes, the 1st law.

C) Yes, the 2nd law.

D) Yes, the 3rd law.

E) No.

Solution