Perpetual Motion - Apparent Perpetual Motion Machines

Apparent Perpetual Motion Machines

Even though they fully respect the laws of thermodynamics, there are a few conceptual or real devices that appear to be in "perpetual motion." Closer analysis reveals that they actually "consume" some sort of natural resource or latent energy, such as the phase changes of water or other fluids or small natural temperature gradients. In general, extracting large amounts of work using these devices is difficult to impossible.

Read more about this topic:  Perpetual Motion

Famous quotes containing the words apparent, perpetual, motion and/or machines:

    Has the art of politics no apparent utility? Does it appear to be unqualifiedly ratty, raffish, sordid, obscene, and low down, and its salient virtuosi a gang of unmitigated scoundrels? Then let us not forget its high capacity to soothe and tickle the midriff, its incomparable services as a maker of entertainment.
    —H.L. (Henry Lewis)

    How feeble is all language to describe the horrors we inflict upon these wretches, whom we mason up in the cells of our prisons, and condemn to perpetual solitude in the very heart of our population.
    Herman Melville (1819–1891)

    If we shall stand still
    In fear our motion will be mocked or carped at,
    We should take root here where we sit, or sit
    State-statues only.
    William Shakespeare (1564–1616)

    The machine has had a pernicious effect upon virtue, pity, and love, and young men used to machines which induce inertia, and fear, are near impotents.
    Edward Dahlberg (1900–1977)