Perpetual Motion: Can the Student's Idea Work?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a student's concept for a perpetual motion machine involving an electric fan and a wind generator. Participants are exploring the feasibility of this idea and the underlying principles of energy efficiency and loss.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the viability of the perpetual motion concept, specifically looking for flaws in the proposed system. They discuss energy loss mechanisms such as friction and resistance, and the implications of these losses on the system's functionality.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants engaging in a back-and-forth about the principles of energy efficiency. Some have offered insights into potential energy losses, while others are still seeking clarity on specific aspects of the system's operation.

Contextual Notes

There is an underlying assumption that perpetual motion is impossible, prompting participants to analyze the specific reasons why this particular design would fail. The conversation includes considerations of efficiency and energy transformation within the system.

dajugganaut
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Question:

A student once came up with an idea for a perpetual motion machine. His idea was as follows: Point an electric fan at a wind generator. Blow on the blades of the wind generator to activate it. As the generator produces electricity, it is used to ppower the electric gan which in turn keeps the generator going which in turn keeps the fan going...etc. Once set in motion, it would keep going forever until you stopped it.

would this work? please explain why or why not
(well of couse not, but please explain)
 
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Consider, is there any system that is 100% efficent?
 
well obviously not, but what exactly is the flaw in this perpetual motion that would make it not work??
 
dajugganaut said:
well obviously not, but what exactly is the flaw in this perpetual motion that would make it not work??
Well I can think of many many flaws in that system. Try and think where energy would be lost.
 
friction for both the fan and the wind generator, but i cannot see exactly /how/ its lost
 
dajugganaut said:
friction for both the fan and the wind generator, but i cannot see exactly /how/ its lost
Well friction turns the kenetic energy in the system to heat. Is that heat then used in the system or just wasted?

Also would the wind travel the whole distance and be 100% effective?

Think also abour the resistance in the wires.
 
ok, i see your point zurtex, thanks!
 

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