The Power of Salt Water: Harnessing Hydrogen & Oxygen

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around a method for separating water into hydrogen and oxygen using a radio frequency (RF) generator, as described in an article from Scripps Howard. Participants explore the implications of this method as a potential power source, questioning its energy efficiency and the fundamental principles of thermodynamics involved.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant references an article claiming that RF energy can weaken the bonds in salt water, releasing hydrogen that can burn continuously when ignited.
  • The same participant raises concerns about the energy efficiency of the process, questioning whether the energy input from the RF generator can be justified by the energy output from burning hydrogen.
  • Another participant acknowledges the existence of a related thread, indicating that the topic may have been previously discussed.
  • There is a general sentiment of interest in the subject, with participants expressing appreciation for the forum's ability to facilitate discussion on complex topics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the feasibility of the method as a power source, particularly regarding energy efficiency and the implications of thermodynamic laws. The discussion remains unresolved, with no consensus reached on the validity of the claims made in the article.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not fully explore the assumptions underlying the claims about energy efficiency and the thermodynamic principles involved, leaving these aspects open to interpretation and further discussion.

LURCH
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This article; http://www.shns.com/shns/g_index2.cfm?action=detail&pk=SALTASFUEL-09-10-07 , from Scripps Howard talks about what appears to be a new method for seperating Water into Hydrogen and Oxygen by exposing it to an RF generator.
From the Article:
Roy said the salt water isn't burning per se, despite appearances. The radio frequency actually weakens bonds holding together the constituents of salt water -- sodium chloride, hydrogen and oxygen -- and releases the hydrogen, which, once ignited, burns continuously when exposed to the RF energy field. Kanzius said an independent source measured the flame's temperature, which exceeds 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit, reflecting an enormous energy output.

The article seems to make a big deal out of the possible application of this development as a power source. At least there is one mention of the question of efficiency;
But researching its potential will take time and money, he said. One immediate question is energy efficiency: The energy the RF generator uses vs. the energy output from burning hydrogen

NOw, unless somebody changed the laws of Entropy while I wasn't looking, this process which starts with liquid water and ends up burning Hydrogen and Oxygen to produce water can't be a source of energy. Do you guys see anything I missed?
 
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Thanks Berkman. I thought there would already ber a thread on this, but I didn't think to look in that Forum. Seems kinda obvious, now.
 
LURCH said:
Thanks Berkman. I thought there would already ber a thread on this, but I didn't think to look in that Forum. Seems kinda obvious, now.

No worries. Pretty interesting subject, eh? I'm just glad that we have a place like the PF to provide such lucid commentary on subjects like this one.
 

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