Is there a term for energy output exceeding input?

[purkov]

Therory of energy??

Greetings,
Is there a term or word to describe regarding energy output "an action which produces more energy than is used to prepare"

I don't have any background in physics so this is most likely an easy question for you to answer. Let me know if you need more info regarding my question and thank you for your help.

Philip

 

[Ryan_m_b]

Welcome to the forums

In chemistry the term exothermic reaction is used:

An exothermic reaction is a chemical reaction that is accompanied by the release of heat. In other words, the energy needed for the reaction to occur is less than the total energy released. As a result of this, the extra energy is released, usually in the form of heat.

 

[Whovian]

One thing. It looks like the OP was asking the opposite.

Something that releases more energy than was put in is, if I remember correctly, a Perpetual Motion Machine of the First Kind, which is impossible, in which case another input of energy must be present, perhaps from the chemicals present in the reaction releasing some of their energy.

 

[Pythagorean]

In nuclear fusion, they use exothermic too. But they're still shooting for "breakeven"

 

[Pythagorean]

Whovian, the energy doesn't come from nowhere, it's stores as potential energy in the particle bonds.

 

[Whovian]

In nuclear fusion, they use exothermic too. But they're still shooting for "breakeven"

In a certain sense, these nuclear reactions aren't "break even," cos there's still a net loss of usable energy. The energy source is the nuclear fusion.

 

[Pythagorean]

it's an economic statement. Just like I get "free energy" by taking my bike up an elevator so I can coast down a hill. It's only free to me.

 

[russ_watters]

Yes, context matters here. In thermodynamics, it could be perpetual motion/ a first law violation or it could just be a heat pump.

 

[Ryan_m_b]

in which case another input of energy must be present, perhaps from the chemicals present in the reaction releasing some of their energy.

Thats not input though that's part of the system. The system has stored energy, X energy is then applied which liberates >X energy. For example, taking a match to a barrel of oil. The input is the match.

 

[haruspex]

By analogy with exothermic, I suggest exenthalpic or exergonic. There do appear to be prior usages.