How does mechanical motion start at the deepest, smallest level?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the initiation of mechanical motion at the molecular level, particularly in machines and human bodies. Participants explore how forces, such as magnetic fields and chemical reactions, can trigger motion, with a specific example of a car's engine illustrating the process. The conversation highlights the propagation of tension, compression, and shear waves through materials as fundamental to understanding motion. Key insights include the role of molecular interactions and the challenges in conceptualizing how motion begins without external forces like magnetism or chemical reactions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, including forces and motion.
  • Familiarity with molecular interactions and wave propagation (tension, compression, shear).
  • Knowledge of mechanical systems, particularly gears and levers.
  • Basic principles of thermodynamics related to chemical reactions in engines.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mechanics of wave propagation in materials, focusing on tension and compression waves.
  • Study the operation of internal combustion engines, including the role of chemical reactions in initiating motion.
  • Explore the principles of electromagnetism and its effects on molecular motion in magnetic materials.
  • Investigate the mechanics of electric motors and how they convert electrical energy into mechanical motion.
USEFUL FOR

Engineers, physicists, students of mechanical engineering, and anyone interested in the fundamental principles of motion in machines and biological systems.

  • #31
Well, it is difficult to choose which turtle! This is all a little bit difuse for sure.
 
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  • #32
Why the focus on electricity and magnetism?

An alternative is pendulum clocks that can be powered by gravity and initiated by the user moving the pendulum to one side. A key part of the mechanism is an "escapement".

Or the turbines in a hydroelectric dam that are ultimately powered by hydrogen fusion and initiated by the user turning a valve in a penstock.
 
  • #33
jbriggs444 said:
... the turbines in a hydroelectric dam that are ultimately powered by hydrogen fusion ...
Er what?

Oh, you mean ultimately ultimately!
 
  • #34
Sol, the great evaporator.....
 
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  • #35
Thanks for everyone's replies, gained a much better understanding, and I'll watch the videos on the way to work tonight.
 
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  • #36
Dale said:
It comes from me
Frabjous said:
For non-rigid bodies, waves are how the rest of the body learns that something happened at a location
Sorry for what appears to be an 'flaming' post.
Transient response of system is a broad field on its own, with either discrete lumped elements or with a continuum medium.
 
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  • #37
hutchphd said:
The great R P Feynman gave this some thought. The first part of this interview is wonderful, in my opinion.
Please give it your attention.

Great video! A physicist who realizes the value of imagination and visualizing the currently unviewable parts of physics.

Thinking something people would really enjoy is a 'Feynman forums' where physics people can team up with visual artists to 'explain like they're Feynman'.

Visuals for the travel of energy from the net motions of electrons into fields could've been such a benefit to his explanation, and the types of visuals today are really advanced and so much more available to everyday people.
256bits said:
Sorry for what appears to be an 'flaming' post.
Transient response of system is a broad field on its own, with either discrete lumped elements or with a continuum medium.
Seems totally reasonable, not flaming at all.
 
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