Perpetual Motion - Is It Possible?

In summary, perpetual motion machines are considered impossible because they violate the 2nd Law of Thermodynamics. While perfectly elastic collisions between gas particles may seem like a form of perpetual motion, they cannot be controlled for energy harnessing purposes and therefore do not violate this law. The concept of perpetual motion has different meanings and while some forms of it do exist in nature, self-powering devices that never need fuel are not possible.
  • #1
Ryan H
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Perpetual motion has been deemed "impossible", at least in the world we live in. Why aren't the perfectly elastic collisions between gas particles considered perpetual motion?
 
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  • #2
There are several different characterizations of "perpetual motion" and the one you picked is physically real. There are plenty of similar examples, like a planet in orbit or a particle in motion in space.

What is impossible are perpetual motion machines - self-powering devices that never need fuel and give off excess energy.
 
  • #3
Yes, you would violate the 2nd Law of Thermodynamics. Elastic collisions happen, but to control them for energy harnessing purposes...that would require inelastic processes, I suppose.
 

What is perpetual motion?

Perpetual motion refers to the hypothetical concept of a machine that can continuously operate without the need for an external energy source. It would essentially run forever, creating energy out of nothing.

Why is perpetual motion considered impossible?

According to the first and second laws of thermodynamics, energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed. In other words, perpetual motion would violate these laws and go against the fundamental principles of physics.

Has anyone ever successfully created a perpetual motion machine?

No, there has never been a verified case of a perpetual motion machine. There have been many attempts throughout history, but they have all been proven to either rely on external energy sources or eventually stop due to friction and other factors.

Why is the idea of perpetual motion still popular?

The concept of perpetual motion has been romanticized in popular culture and has become a symbol of human ingenuity and the desire for unlimited energy. Additionally, some people may not fully understand the laws of thermodynamics and therefore believe that perpetual motion is possible.

Are there any potential benefits to achieving perpetual motion?

If perpetual motion were possible, it would revolutionize the way we generate and use energy. It could potentially solve the world's energy crisis and eliminate the need for fossil fuels. However, since it is not possible, we must continue to seek out sustainable and renewable sources of energy.

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