Maxwell's Conjecture of the Demon creating a Temperature Difference is False

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that Maxwell's demon cannot create a temperature difference, reaffirming the second law of thermodynamics and clarifying misconceptions about the demon's capabilities.

Contribution

It provides two independent, rigorous arguments showing Maxwell's demon cannot violate thermodynamic equilibrium, countering longstanding claims and misconceptions.

Findings

Maxwell's demon cannot generate a temperature difference

The second law of thermodynamics remains valid

The paradox has inspired new ideas despite its invalidity

Abstract

We argue that Maxwell's demon is incapable of creating a nonzero temperature difference. Hence, it does not destroy equilibrium and the second law is never at risk, contrary to the claim by Maxwell and accepted by many. It is therefore remarkable that despite this, the demon paradox has been a valuable source of new ideas. We use two independent arguments, one using classical equilibrium thermodynamics by extending Brillouin's approach, and the other one using equilibrium statistical mechanics and the central limit theorem.