Perpetual Motion: Can the Student's Idea Work?

In summary, a student once proposed a perpetual motion machine that involved using an electric fan to power a wind generator, which would produce electricity to power the fan, creating a continuous cycle. However, upon further discussion, it was pointed out that this system would not work due to energy being lost through friction and resistance in the wires. Additionally, no system is 100% efficient and the heat produced by friction would not be utilized in the system. Therefore, this proposed perpetual motion machine would not be successful.
  • #1
dajugganaut
33
0
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)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Consider, is there any system that is 100% efficent?
 
  • #3
well obviously not, but what exactly is the flaw in this perpetual motion that would make it not work??
 
  • #4
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.
 
  • #5
friction for both the fan and the wind generator, but i cannot see exactly /how/ its lost
 
  • #6
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.
 
  • #7
ok, i see your point zurtex, thanks!
 

1. What is perpetual motion?

Perpetual motion is the hypothetical concept of a machine that can continue to operate indefinitely without any external energy source.

2. Why is perpetual motion considered impossible?

Perpetual motion is considered impossible because it violates the laws of thermodynamics, specifically the law of conservation of energy. This law states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or converted from one form to another. A perpetual motion machine would have to create its own energy, which goes against this law.

3. Can perpetual motion be achieved through magnetism or gravity?

No, perpetual motion cannot be achieved through magnetism or gravity. While magnetism and gravity can produce motion, they too are subject to the laws of thermodynamics and cannot produce perpetual motion.

4. Has anyone ever created a perpetual motion machine?

No, despite many attempts throughout history, no one has been able to create a perpetual motion machine. Any machine claiming to achieve perpetual motion has been proven to have a hidden energy source or to not truly be perpetual.

5. Can the student's idea for perpetual motion work?

Based on what we know about the laws of thermodynamics, it is highly unlikely that the student's idea for perpetual motion will work. However, it is always important to test and explore new ideas in science, so the student's idea should be investigated and tested to determine its validity.

Similar threads

Wind Turbine Energy Transformations
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
2K
B Energy Conservation in Relativity: Perpetual Motion?
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
11
Views
1K
What are the top toys that can run almost perpetually?
    • Mechanics
Replies
16
Views
2K
B How does this osmotic system reach equilibrium?
    • Classical Physics
Replies
2
Views
970
Is a Superfluid Perpetual Motion Machine Theoretically Possible?
    • Mechanics
Replies
1
Views
2K
Science Fair - Why perpertual motion won't work.
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
2K
Suspend a magnet on a pendulum above a repelling magnet
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
1
Views
2K
Perpetual motion machines can't exist (Feynman's lectures)
    • Mechanics
Replies
11
Views
2K
Feynman Lectures vol.1 Chapter 4 Topic 4-2GravitationalPotentialEnergy
    • Mechanics
Replies
9
Views
1K
ABC reference frame synchronous generator modelling in Ltspice
    • Electrical Engineering
Replies
1
Views
966

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top