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"are perpetual motion machines possible?" this question has intrigued inventors and dreamers for centuries. the idea of a machine that can work forever without any energy input is both captivating and challenging. let's dive into the world of perpetual motion machines and explore the physics behind them with the help of the physics girl.
the dream of perpetual motion
imagine a wheel that spins forever, a bird that never quenches its thirst, or a clock that never stops ticking. these are the dreams of inventors who strive to create perpetual motion machines. the allure of an endless source of free energy is undeniable, but can these machines exist without violating the laws of physics?
the reality check
unfortunately, the answer is no. perpetual motion machines are impossible due to the laws of physics, specifically the conservation of energy principle. this principle states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another. a perpetual motion machine would require a constant source of energy without any input, which is a direct contradiction to this fundamental law.
the physics girl's take
in a series of engaging videos, the physics girl, dianna cowern, explores the concept of perpetual motion machines and the physics behind them. she debunks common misconceptions and demonstrates why these machines cannot exist. one of her videos, titled "how to shrink a quarter with electricity!" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2tdxkfbamq), showcases an experiment that highlights the limitations of energy transformation. another video, "5 scary physics experiments!" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wea7gc-b0ea), features a segment on perpetual motion machines and the challenges they face.
the unbalanced wheel
dianna cowern presents an example of a perpetual motion machine: an unbalanced wheel designed by engineer kyle kitzmiller. the wheel is supposed to spin forever due to the weight distribution of coins placed in slots. however, as dianna explains, the wheel doesn't work because of friction on the axle and the way gravity affects the wheel's center of mass.
the science behind the myth
perpetual motion machines are often associated with the violation of the first and second laws of thermodynamics. the first law, also known as the law of conservation of energy, states that energy cannot be created or destroyed. the second law, the law of entropy, states that the total entropy of a closed system will always increase over time. these laws make it impossible for a perpetual motion machine to function without an external energy source.
the quest for alternative energy
while perpetual motion machines remain a fascinating myth, the quest for alternative and sustainable energy sources continues. innovations in renewable energy, such as wind turbines and solar panels, offer promising solutions to our energy needs without the need for perpetual motion.
conclusion
perpetual motion machines, despite their allure, are impossible due to the laws of physics. the physics girl's videos provide a fun and educational look at the science behind these machines and the challenges they face. while perpetual motion remains a dream, the pursuit of alternative energy sources offers hope for a sustainable future.
additional resources
- follow the physics girl on her website (http://physicsgirl.org/), twitter (http://twitter.com/thephysisgirl), facebook (http://facebook.com/thephysicsgirl), and instagram (http://instagram.com/thephysicsgirl) for more engaging physics content.
- help translate the physics girl's videos (http://www.youtube.com/timedtextcspanel?c=uc7ddem33syatdtwygo2cwda&tab=2) to reach a wider audience.
- check out the physics girl's videos on the turing test (https://www.schooltube.com/the-turing-test-what-it-is-and-why-it-matters/) and the science behind jet suits (https://www.schooltube.com/the-science-behind-jet-suits-how-they-work-and-why-theyre-so-cool/) for more fascinating physics insights.
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