Harness Infinite Energy with Magnets in Space

In summary: Think of a black striped zebra, now close your eyes and think of a white striped zebra".In summary, the conversation discusses a proposed idea of using two magnets in space to create perpetual motion and generate electricity. However, it is pointed out that this idea is not possible due to Lenz's law, which states that energy is always conserved in electromagnetism. In order to extract energy from a system, resistance must be introduced, negating the concept of perpetual motion. The conversation also mentions a similar fallacy involving potential energy and a demonstration by an inventor on a television show. The conversation concludes by acknowledging the tendency for laymen to be easily fooled by arguments involving electromagnetism and the need to critically evaluate such claims
  • #1
menniandscience
99
2
if we take a magnet and put in space, now we take another magnet and start to revolve it around the first, the centrifugal force will make it try to push it out of the circular course we want it to stay but the magnetic force will pull it in a way that the two forces cancel each other, and because it is space therefore, frictionless, the magnet will revolve forever and we can make electricty all the time
 
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  • #2
meni ohana said:
if we take a magnet and put in space, now we take another magnet and start to revolve it around the first, the centrifugal force will make it try to push it out of the circular course we want it to stay but the magnetic force will pull it in a way that the two forces cancel each other, and because it is space therefore, frictionless, the magnet will revolve forever and we can make electricty all the time

How do you propose to make this "electricity"?

Zz.
 
  • #4
ZapperZ said:
How do you propose to make this "electricity"?

Zz.

you place a metal cord between
 
  • #6
meni ohana said:
you place a metal cord between

Then you are forgetting Lenz's law, or are ignorant of it.

Try this on your own. Take a coil of wire, connect the two ends to an ammeter.

Now, try sliding a magnet through it. You'll find that you'll encounter a RESISTANCE against moving the magnet through the coil. Why? The induced current in the coil (your "electricity") will create its own magnetic field that OPPOSES the change in flux through the coil - Lenz's law! You will have to do work to generate that electricity!

What this means is that once you try to harness your "spinning magnet", it will encounter a force that will oppose its motion!

So where is your "infinite energy" now?

Zz.
 
  • #7
ZapperZ said:
Then you are forgetting Lenz's law, or are ignorant of it.

Try this on your own. Take a coil of wire, connect the two ends to an ammeter.

Now, try sliding a magnet through it. You'll find that you'll encounter a RESISTANCE against moving the magnet through the coil. Why? The induced current in the coil (your "electricity") will create its own magnetic field that OPPOSES the change in flux through the coil - Lenz's law! You will have to do work to generate that electricity!

What this means is that once you try to harness your "spinning magnet", it will encounter a force that will oppose its motion!

So where is your "infinite energy" now?

Zz.

So it is impossible in this universe to create free energy?
 
  • #8
Red_CCF said:
So it is impossible in this universe to create free energy?

Only if you steal it from God :biggrin:

aka yes.
 
  • #9
meni ohana said:
if we take a magnet and put in space, now we take another magnet and start to revolve it around the first, the centrifugal force will make it try to push it out of the circular course we want it to stay but the magnetic force will pull it in a way that the two forces cancel each other, and because it is space therefore, frictionless, the magnet will revolve forever and we can make electricty all the time

but a magnet has two poles, shouldn't it repel the other magnet at some point? and wouldn't it take centripetal force to keep it revolved?
 
  • #10
ZapperZ said:
Then you are forgetting Lenz's law, or are ignorant of it.


So where is your "infinite energy" now?

Zz.

that is why i am asking
 
  • #11
meni ohana said:
is there simple explanation?
Yes: energy is always conserved in electromagnetism.
 
  • #12
meni ohana said:
that is why i am asking

Your original post:

meni ohana said:
if we take a magnet and put in space, now we take another magnet and start to revolve it around the first, the centrifugal force will make it try to push it out of the circular course we want it to stay but the magnetic force will pull it in a way that the two forces cancel each other, and because it is space therefore, frictionless, the magnet will revolve forever and we can make electricty all the time

I see no "asking" here.

In any case, I believe this has been sufficiently addressed.

Zz.
 
  • #13
A dynamo apposes motion...yes it's true, but in ideal situations considering on friction, a dynamo will appose this motion, and convert this very rotary K.E to electrical energy...so your arrangement will stop someday.
 
  • #14
Well, I don't know much about Lenz's law, but I do know that in a frictionless system things will move "perpetually" but once you try to draw energy from it friction is applied because of the generator apparatus or some other thing that you use.
 
  • #15
Your idea is good up to a certain point. In total resistance free environment, perpetual motion is possible, however to extract energy you need to introduce some sort of coupling to another system, which will introduce a resistance.

An equivalent fallacy would be: We can extract potential energy form a mass located at a high position by letting it fall to the ground. Now If I put a heavy rock on a mountain, its position will always be high, therefore we have free energy, if we simply find some way of extracting it... which ofcause doesn't actually relie on moving the rock.

In Denmark, a "inventor" entered and competed in TV on a show called something like Danish best inventions, with a system like this. By confusing the judges with a clever sheme of using the boyancy of a bowling ball to lift it upwards. Needless to say, he didn't get far, but it was quite entertaining.

Most laymen are quick to discard the notion of such mechanical free energy devices, but if you add into the description som electromagnatism it's pretty easy to fool them. I once convinced a friend that superconductors could generate free energy, and he belived me simply because of the argument: "How else would they float in mid air?". Most the times, human resoning isn't that strong, that's why you need to do the math.
 
  • #16
Yup. Not to mention, I've noticed that the pursuing of perpetual motion machines is mostly by those who are at times ignorant of the most simple laws of physics. Which, really, is the only reason why they try...
 

Related to Harness Infinite Energy with Magnets in Space

1. How can magnets be used to harness infinite energy in space?

Magnets can be used to harness energy in space through the process of electromagnetic induction. This involves using a magnet to create a magnetic field, which can then be used to induce a current in a conductive material. This current can then be harnessed as energy.

2. Is this a feasible source of energy for space exploration?

While the concept of harnessing infinite energy with magnets in space is still in the early stages of development, it has shown promising potential as a feasible source of energy for space exploration. Further research and development is needed to fully assess its viability.

3. How is this different from traditional forms of energy production?

Unlike traditional forms of energy production, which often rely on finite resources or produce harmful emissions, harnessing infinite energy with magnets in space is a renewable and clean source of energy. It also has the potential to provide a constant supply of energy, as long as the magnetic field is maintained.

4. What challenges need to be overcome for this technology to be implemented?

One of the main challenges in implementing this technology is the development of efficient and durable materials that can withstand the extreme conditions of space. Additionally, the cost of launching and maintaining these systems in space may also be a barrier.

5. What are the potential applications of this technology?

The potential applications of harnessing infinite energy with magnets in space are vast. It could be used to power spacecraft, space stations, and other space exploration vehicles, as well as provide energy for future space colonies. It could also have implications for renewable energy production on Earth.

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