Is a Perpetual Motion Machine Possible?

In summary, there is often debate surrounding the possibility of a perpetual motion machine, with some believing it is impossible and others claiming it exists. However, by the usual definition of perpetual motion, it is widely accepted that such a machine is impossible and any claims of its existence are met with skepticism from the scientific community. The key issue is that, while some events may appear to be perpetual motion, they cannot be harnessed to do work and therefore cannot be considered machines. This topic has been extensively discussed on various forums and has been deemed unnecessary to debate as any legitimate claim would be reproducible and testable.
  • #1
danielle36
29
0
I've heard a perpetual motion machine would be impossible, but then that some people out there believe it is. I was wondering if anyone out there has any thoughts on it..
 
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  • #2
Its papers done by high school flunkiees.
 
  • #3
It is impossible. You can take that as holy writ.

Claude.
 
  • #4
By the usual definition of 'perpetual motion', no one with an ounce of brains believes in them. It is possible to have something that moves forever once started, such as a rock spinning in outer space or electric current in a superconducting loop. The point is that no work can be extracted from it without killing it.
 
  • #5
PMM thread: alive 55 minutes and counting!
 
  • #6
In this forum we obey the laws of thermodynamics!
 
  • #7
:rofl:...
 
  • #8
https://www.physicsforums.com/showpost.php?p=71194&postcount=1


Perpetual motion and "free energy" discussions

Search PF and you will find many threads that have been closed in a number of forums. As for S&D, any claim of this nature would be reproducible and/or testable by the scientific community; hence there is no need for debate.
 
  • #9
The key here is the term "perpetual motion machine"; the word "machine" makes it a device that helps one do work. As Danger mentioned, there are events that can give the appearence of perpetual motion, but they can't be called machines, 'cause we can't get any work out of 'em.
I don't know if you wanted details as to why such a device can't exist, or if you're just taking a little opinion pol.
 
  • #10
Sorry. We were busy... thread locked.
 

1. What is a Perpetual Motion Machine?

A Perpetual Motion Machine is a hypothetical device that can continue to operate indefinitely without any external energy source. It is often referred to as a "perpetual motion" because it appears to violate the laws of thermodynamics by producing more energy than it consumes.

2. Is it possible to create a Perpetual Motion Machine?

No, it is not possible to create a Perpetual Motion Machine. The laws of thermodynamics state that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or converted. Therefore, a machine that produces more energy than it consumes would violate these laws.

3. Why do some people claim to have invented a Perpetual Motion Machine?

Many people have claimed to have invented a Perpetual Motion Machine, but these claims have all been proven to be false. These individuals often misunderstand or misinterpret the laws of thermodynamics and believe that their invention is perpetual, when in reality it is powered by external energy sources.

4. Has a Perpetual Motion Machine ever been successfully created?

No, a Perpetual Motion Machine has never been successfully created. Many attempts have been made throughout history, but all have failed to produce more energy than they consume. Any machine that appears to be perpetual is actually powered by an external energy source.

5. Why is the concept of a Perpetual Motion Machine important in science?

The concept of a Perpetual Motion Machine is important in science because it highlights the laws of thermodynamics, which are fundamental principles in understanding energy and its transfer. It also serves as a cautionary tale against pseudoscience and false claims of perpetual energy, encouraging critical thinking and scientific skepticism.

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