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

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  • Thread starter Thread starter elliswonders
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of creating a perpetual motion machine using permanent magnets, with a focus on understanding the underlying principles that prevent such machines from functioning as intended. The inquiry touches on concepts of energy conservation and the nature of magnetic forces.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to understand why a perpetual motion machine made of permanent magnets cannot work, acknowledging a lack of knowledge on the topic.
  • The same participant questions whether a machine that lasts a long time could be a viable alternative to current energy sources, despite not producing "free energy."
  • Another participant suggests that discussions about perpetual motion machines and free energy devices are generally not permitted on the forum, citing past experiences with such topics attracting unscientific claims.
  • A further reply emphasizes that to understand why these machines do not work, one should learn about the principles of magnets and their behavior.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that discussions about perpetual motion machines and free energy are not suitable for the forum, but there is no consensus on the specific reasons or explanations for why such machines cannot function as proposed.

Contextual Notes

The discussion is limited by the forum's policy against exploring certain pseudoscientific topics, which may restrict the depth of inquiry into the principles of magnetism and energy conservation.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in the principles of energy conservation, magnetism, and the scientific reasoning behind the impossibility of perpetual motion machines may find this discussion relevant.

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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