Perpetual Motion: Particle Spin & Earth's Role

In summary, elementary particles and the Earth both spin, but this spin does not violate the laws of Thermodynamics as it does not generate energy. The spin of particles is not considered perpetual motion as it is only a quantum number and cannot be used to extract energy.
  • #1
samsara15
17
0
Elementary particles spin. So does the Earth. Spin does work. The spin of electrons and other elementary partlces never stops, or slows down. Why isn't the spin of particles considered to be perpetual motion? Doesn't particle spin violate the laws of Thermodynamics?
 
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  • #2
Spin does work.
Not without slowing down.

Why isn't the spin of particles considered to be perpetual motion?
The spin of particles is not motion. They are not rotating. Spin is just a quantum number, similar to charge.

Doesn't particle spin violate the laws of Thermodynamics?
No.
 
  • #3
There's nothing unphysical about perpetual motion unless you try to extract energy from it. Throw a ball in space and it will keep moving until something stops it.

The spin merely stores energy; it doesn't generate it. If you have a spin lattice, you might be able to extract some energy by aligning all the spins, but then you are done. You can't extract anymore energy until you unalign the spins, which takes all the energy you got out. Same basic story is true for all "perpetual motion" scenarios.
 
  • #4
The buzz phrase "perpetual motion" means an over unity, more energy out than in type device. It may not seem technically correct, but that is what it means.
 
  • #5
Both types are called perpetual motion.
 

1. What is perpetual motion?

Perpetual motion is the concept of a system or device that can continue to operate indefinitely without the need for an external energy source. It is often described as a machine that can produce more energy than it consumes.

2. What is the role of particle spin in perpetual motion?

Particle spin refers to the intrinsic angular momentum of a particle. In the context of perpetual motion, it is often used to describe the motion of particles within a system that can continue indefinitely without the need for an external energy source.

3. How does the Earth play a role in perpetual motion?

The Earth's rotation is often cited as a source of perpetual motion due to its continuous motion without the need for an external energy source. However, this is not true perpetual motion as the Earth's rotation is powered by the gravitational pull of the Sun.

4. Is perpetual motion possible?

No, perpetual motion is not possible according to the laws of thermodynamics. These laws state that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or converted. Therefore, a system or device cannot continuously operate without an external energy source.

5. Why is the concept of perpetual motion important in science?

The concept of perpetual motion has been a topic of interest for centuries and has sparked many scientific debates and experiments. While it has been proven to be impossible, the pursuit of perpetual motion has led to important discoveries and advancements in the understanding of energy and motion.

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