Perpetual motion machines, defined as self-powering devices that continuously operate without an energy source, are impossible due to the violation of the Second Law of Thermodynamics. While perfectly elastic collisions between gas particles and celestial bodies in orbit demonstrate perpetual motion in a theoretical sense, they do not equate to the creation of usable energy. The discussion clarifies that while certain physical phenomena exhibit perpetual motion characteristics, harnessing them for energy generation is unattainable without inelastic processes.
PREREQUISITESPhysicists, engineers, and anyone interested in the principles of thermodynamics and energy systems will benefit from reading this discussion.