Perpetual Motion: Particle Spin & Earth's Role

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies that the spin of elementary particles, such as electrons, is a quantum property and not a form of motion that violates the laws of thermodynamics. Particle spin does not generate energy; it merely stores it. The concept of perpetual motion is defined as a system that produces more energy than it consumes, which is not applicable to particle spin. The analogy of a ball in space illustrates that while motion can persist, it does not equate to perpetual energy generation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics and particle physics
  • Familiarity with thermodynamics principles
  • Knowledge of energy storage and transfer concepts
  • Basic grasp of quantum numbers and their significance
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of quantum spin in particle physics
  • Study the laws of thermodynamics in detail, focusing on energy conservation
  • Explore the concept of spin lattices and their energy extraction potential
  • Investigate the definitions and examples of perpetual motion machines
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Physicists, students of quantum mechanics, and anyone interested in the principles of energy conservation and the nature of motion in the quantum realm.

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Elementary particles spin. So does the Earth. Spin does work. The spin of electrons and other elementary partlces never stops, or slows down. Why isn't the spin of particles considered to be perpetual motion? Doesn't particle spin violate the laws of Thermodynamics?
 
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Spin does work.
Not without slowing down.

Why isn't the spin of particles considered to be perpetual motion?
The spin of particles is not motion. They are not rotating. Spin is just a quantum number, similar to charge.

Doesn't particle spin violate the laws of Thermodynamics?
No.
 
There's nothing unphysical about perpetual motion unless you try to extract energy from it. Throw a ball in space and it will keep moving until something stops it.

The spin merely stores energy; it doesn't generate it. If you have a spin lattice, you might be able to extract some energy by aligning all the spins, but then you are done. You can't extract anymore energy until you unalign the spins, which takes all the energy you got out. Same basic story is true for all "perpetual motion" scenarios.
 
The buzz phrase "perpetual motion" means an over unity, more energy out than in type device. It may not seem technically correct, but that is what it means.
 
Both types are called perpetual motion.
 

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