2021 Solution 07

Isaac P Abraham
2020 Dec 25

True or False. Electrons in a wire are in perpetual random thermal motion. These fluctuations will result in a potential difference which will charge the capacitor. The diode prevents the capacitor from discharging. The power available will of course be low.

In theory, the chances of being able to accumulate some usable charge are (although very) small, non-zero and measurable at one in a billion (according to Ilyushchenko).

Ref: Valerii Ilyushchenko (translated by V.N. Lange), "Science for everyone", Mir Publishers, Moscow, USSR.