Why Can't Permanent Magnets Create a Perpetual Motion Machine?

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Permanent magnets cannot create a perpetual motion machine due to the law of energy conservation, which states that energy cannot be created or destroyed. The discussion emphasizes that while the concept of free energy is intriguing, it is fundamentally flawed and often attracts pseudoscientific beliefs. Participants are encouraged to learn about the principles of magnetism instead of pursuing debunked ideas. The forum has strict rules against discussing perpetual motion and free energy to prevent misinformation. Understanding these concepts is essential for grasping why such machines are not viable alternatives to current energy sources.
elliswonders
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Hey all, I'm hoping you can help me out on this. First, I should mention that I'm not one of those folks who believes in "free energy." I submit to the law of energy conservation, but recently I've been trying to figure out why a perpetual motion machine made of permanent magnets wouldn't work. Here's a reference of sorts:

Now, I get that I'm missing something, but could I get a clear explanation of why that thing isn't really spinning on its own? (And please be nice. I KNOW I don't know as much as some people here, that's why I'm asking in the first place).

On a related note, even if a machine similar to the one in the link isn't creating "free energy," would it be possible to build one that lasts a long time? Why wouldn't that be a viable alternative to current energy sources? I'm not looking to run out and try this myself, I'm here to learn!

Thanks in advance! :smile:
 
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Im not a moderator, but I suspect this thread will be locked. PhysicsForums doesn't generally do "debunking" in this fashion for a variety of reasons.
 
Modus is correct. Discussion of perpetual motion machines, free energy devices, and similar trains of thought are not allowed here at PF, not even for the purposes of debunking them. That kind of discussion is a magnet for crackpots, as past experience has shown us.

If you wish to understand why these machines don't work, your best bet is to learn about magnets and how they work.
 
I guess I can appreciate that policy. And I guess I'd gain more in the long run if I figured this one out for myself (as I already KNOW the answer...but just like a physics test question, answers aren't worth nill if you can't show your work...)

Also, nice pun Drakkith :D
 

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I think it's easist first to watch a short vidio clip I find these videos very relaxing to watch .. I got to thinking is this being done in the most efficient way? The sand has to be suspended in the water to move it to the outlet ... The faster the water , the more turbulance and the sand stays suspended, so it seems to me the rule of thumb is the hose be aimed towards the outlet at all times .. Many times the workers hit the sand directly which will greatly reduce the water...
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