Editing 1166: Argument
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==Explanation== | ==Explanation== | ||
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− | A | + | A {{w|perpetual motion machine}} is a hypothetical device that can keep on moving infinitely with no external forces helping it, thus providing an unlimited source of energy. The existence of such an object would contradict the theory of thermodynamics, so perpetual motion machines are known to be impossible. |
− | + | A conspiracy theory called {{w|free energy suppression}} asserts that it really is possible to get infinite energy and special interest groups have worked to hide it. In the comic, Randall says that he posted to a forum dedicated to the idea back in 2004, and the thread is still active — it kept on going forever, just like a real perpetual motion machine (in contrast with real attempts to build such a machine, which all stop quite soon). | |
− | The | + | The {{w|Second law of thermodynamics}} states that the {{w|entropy}} of an ''isolated'' system never decreases. The implication of this is that even if you could build a perpetual motion machine, you wouldn't be able to extract work out of it, in other words, you wouldn't be able to use it to produce energy that could be consumed by another device. Magnetism does not reverse this at all. |
− | + | The second commenter misunderstood a scientific explanation which used the {{w|First law of thermodynamics}} (conservation of energy), and confused it with {{w|Isaac Asimov}}’s {{w|Three Laws of Robotics|First Law of robotics}} (which prohibits robots from injuring human beings). | |
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==Transcript== | ==Transcript== | ||
− | :[A page from a very long thread on " | + | :[A page from a very long thread on "Free Energy Forum."] |
:'''Thread:''' You're all crackpots who don't understand thermodynamics. | :'''Thread:''' You're all crackpots who don't understand thermodynamics. | ||
− | : | + | :Page 547 of 547 |
− | :Poster 1 | + | :Poster 1: No, idiot, only the ''north'' end of a magnet increases entropy. The south end decreases it. |
− | :Poster 2 | + | :Poster 2: I wiki'd this "First Law" and I don't see the issue. My device isn't a robot and doesn't harm humans. |
− | :Poster 3 | + | :Poster 3: What if we trick the government into only suppressing the ''left'' side of the flywheel? |
− | :Ironically, the argument I started on a perpetual motion forum in 2004 shows no signs of slowing down. | + | :Caption: Ironically, the argument I started on a perpetual motion forum in 2004 shows no signs of slowing down. |
{{comic discussion}} | {{comic discussion}} | ||
[[Category:Physics]] | [[Category:Physics]] | ||
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