Energy neither created nor destroyed

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of energy conservation and the feasibility of connecting a motor to a generator to create a perpetual motion system. Participants explore the implications of energy transformation and the practicality of such a setup within the context of engineering and physics principles.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes connecting a motor to a generator to create a self-sustaining system, questioning if this aligns with the principle that energy cannot be created or destroyed.
  • Another participant asserts that this idea resembles a perpetual motion machine, which is not feasible as it would require more energy to operate the motor than the generator could produce.
  • A participant suggests the possibility of using circuits to increase the current produced by the generator to enhance power output.
  • It is noted that driving a generator typically requires external power sources, such as hydroelectric, fossil fuels, or wind energy, rather than relying solely on electricity generated by the system itself.
  • A participant shares a personal anecdote about attempting a similar setup as a child, reflecting on the challenges faced due to friction and energy loss.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the proposed system would not work as intended and that external energy sources are necessary for generating power. However, there remains a lack of consensus on the feasibility of enhancing the generator's output through circuit modifications.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights assumptions regarding energy efficiency and the limitations of mechanical systems, particularly in relation to friction and energy losses, which are not fully explored.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to engineering students, hobbyists exploring energy systems, and individuals curious about the principles of energy conservation and mechanical systems.

Super.man
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I am studying engineering in my preparatory year and i have an idea which i would like to know if it is true??
why don't we connect a motor with a generator ??
so if we rotated the generator with our hand , the current produced will go to the motor which will rotate due to the magnetic forces and will rotate also the generator...
so it will not stop...
but does that agree with the theory of energy :"Energy neither created nor destroyed but it can be transformed with one form to another"
 
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Hi Super.man, welcome to PF.

Perpetual motion machines are not an accepted topic for PF. It won't work because it will take more energy to turn the motor than the generator will produce.
 


can't i use any circuit to increase the current produced by the generator and hence increase the power .
 


yes but then the motor will require more power...to drive a generator, you need to produce power in a way that utilizes other power sources instead of electricity...say water falling (hydroelectric power), burning fossil fuels (a diesel engine or a gas turbine) or wind...
 


I get it now...
Thanks for explaining :cool:
 


LOL! I remember doing this as a kid. I didn't expect it be an "eternity machine", but I did wonder if the motor would run longer by a measurable time on my clock :-)

I used a motor from a radio controlled car, and a generator from a bicycle, and connected them with a rubber belt. The amount of friction was quite high... I couldn't detect a difference, of course :-)

Really cool that this post reminded me of my scientific endeavors as a young boy.

Torquil
 

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