Perpetual Motion Definition & Rules
The laws of physics, discovered by Sir Isaac Newton, express the theory of perpetual motion in terms of the use of energy by objects in space. Scientists refer to any machines impossible to create because they violate the laws of physics as perpetual motion machines.
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Definition
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Perpetual motion is described by Princeton University as continual motion without a source of energy that is impossible because of friction.
Inertia
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Newton's first law states that objects in space will travel at a constant speed forever in a frictionless atmosphere unless the movement of the object is affected by another object; this is the theory of perpetual motion.
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First Law of Thermodynamics
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The first law of thermodynamics adds weight to perpetual motion by stating that the total energy of an object remains constant until it is acted upon by another object.
Second Law
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But perpetual motion machines break the second law of thermodynamics, which states that a system working within a cycle cannot be completely energy efficient.
Violations
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Although in theory it is possible for perpetual motion to exist, in reality there is no frictionless atmosphere allowing an object to move without friction affecting it. Also, a perpetual motion machine running in a cycle would eventually require a new source of energy and recycle itself into the cycle as a source of energy.
History
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The concept of perpetual motion machines dates back many centuries, with the first reported plans for a machine created by Indian mathematician and astronomer Bhaskara (1114-1185). Other notable figures who created plans for perpetual motion machines include Leonardo da Vinci and Edward Somerset, who is also credited with creating early plans for the use of steam as a motive power.
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