Is It Physically Possible [Even Though It Might Be Impractical

question 17

Multiple Choice

Is it physically possible [even though it might be impractical to actually carry out] to drive a ship across the ocean by using the thermal energy in the surface waters of the ocean? That is, could this be done without violating any principle of physics?

• A) Yes, by exhausting the unused thermal energy into the stratosphere or into the deep ocean, where the temperature is cooler than that of the ocean's surface.
• B) No, because this process would violate the law of conservation of energy.
• C) Yes, by exhausting the unused thermal energy into Earth's lower atmosphere, where the temperature is warmer than that of the ocean's surface.
• D) No, because this process would violate the second law of thermodynamics.
• E) No, because there is no thermal energy in the ocean.