Is it possible to take, for example, solar energy 'A' (that has already been stored) and magnify 'A' with further (new) solar energy ('B') to create more power than A and B would have if they were to just be combined normally? Sort of like a chemical reaction, perhaps?
To explain further, I would imagine that solar energy is built up to be one big energy in normal circumstances. (For lack of better way to explain.) However, would it be possible to store a certain amount of solar energy, then take some more energy from the sun and somehow take that energy and use it to increase the energy of the previously stored energy? And on and on until it's being magnified in large amounts as you collect small amounts of energy and magnify the energy you continue to store? ....
It's hard to explain! But I'm wondering if anyone knows if this is at all possible?
2006-10-10 10:44:39 · 4 answers · asked by Alisa 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
You can magnify the sunlight on its way to a solar collector or photovoltaic cell. This would let you benefit more from the cost of the device. You can accumulate the heat from a solar collector to keep heating water to higher temperatures (within limits). You can accumulate the electricity from a photovoltaic cell in a battery. Plants accumulate the carbohydrates they produce using photosynthesis.
We don't have a practical way to store sunlight. Combining energy to produce more energy than you started with violates laws of conservation of energy.
2006-10-10 12:15:55 · answer #1 · answered by Frank N 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is no way to get more energy out of just energy, or any way to get more energy out of something than the equation e=mc^2 could yeild. Even if you could change all the mass to energy, you'll still lose some to other effects. No engine is 100% efficient, and this is why 'free energy' and 'perpetual motion' machines don't work. See 'laws of thermodynamics' for more info.
2006-10-10 18:17:42 · answer #2 · answered by eri 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, it's not possible. Energy can't be created or destroyed...or *magnified*. Any combination of A and B will just be A+B.
2006-10-10 17:48:02 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
energy can only be created (from mass) in a nuclear reaction.
2006-10-10 17:55:09 · answer #4 · answered by Take it from Toby 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋