it's possible in theory, but is it possible in fact? if so what is it thats in perpetual motion on the earth?
2007-12-10 13:59:19 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Actually, it's not possible in theory either. Sure, you can imagine it, but the laws of thermodynamics tell you it's not possible. Not only on Earth, but everywhere in the universe. It's a theory that it's not possible, and it's a fact that no one has ever attempted it. The US patent office does not accept patent claims for perpetual motion machines unless you build one and it's still running without a power source a year later.
A great book about perpetual motion machines and 'free energy' claims is Voodoo Science by Robert Park, former president of the American Physical Society. It's a fun read.
2007-12-10 14:04:26 · answer #1 · answered by eri 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Atoms seem to be stable perpetual motion machines, in a sense. I suppose you could question whether its a machine or indeed if anything's even in motion there. But that's the best example I can think of.
Every other machine will gradually lose energy no matter how hard you work to minimize it.
2007-12-10 23:31:34 · answer #2 · answered by Steve H 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is neither a theory nor a fact. It is, in fact, shown to be not possible by the second law of thermodynamics, which deals with the tendency of all isolated systems to increase in entropy with time.
2007-12-10 22:09:01 · answer #3 · answered by Larry454 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Myth.
2007-12-10 22:07:05 · answer #4 · answered by marineboy63 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Neither. It's a falsehood.
2007-12-10 22:04:12 · answer #5 · answered by Dr. R 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
If only eh
2007-12-11 19:55:18 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋