TITLE:
Catch-22 in Second Law Revealed by Axiomatic Analysis, Part 1 Optimizing ExB Effect, Extending Law
AUTHORS:
George Samuel Levy
KEYWORDS:
Second Law, H-Theorem, Time-Reversal Symmetry, CPT Symmetry, ExB Thermoelectric Effect, Free Energy, Negentropy, Entropy, Mesoscale, Coarse Graining
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Applied Mathematics and Physics,
Vol.14 No.10,
October
21,
2026
ABSTRACT: An axiomatic analysis reveals a cornerstone weakness in all foremost arguments supporting the second law: either phenomena are viewed at the microscale, where T-Odd symmetry can generate negentropy, or at the macroscale, where massive averaging, integration or coarse graining ensure that this negentropy is erased. These two alternatives present a catch-22 binary choice: 1) at the microscale, negentropy is present but not accessible because of the lack of thermodynamic interaction (collisions), and 2) at the macroscale it is accessible because of the abundance of interactions, but not present because it is destroyed by the overwhelming interactions. This false dichotomy can be eliminated by operating at the mesoscale where some negentropy can be salvaged. Using the E × B drift as a vehicle, an index of asymmetry is defined, which quantifies a position on the mesoscale. Optimal use of free energy generated by a T-Odd system occurs at the center of the mesoscale where the index of asymmetry reaches unity. There, the actual energy output is equal to ¼ of the free energy used to convert heat to work. In compliance with all second law arguments, the energy output drops to zero at the two extremes of the mesoscale. Under maximum power generation, in the center of the mesoscale, the change in entropy is limited to ΔS ≥ -1/4A/T.