Physicists build world's smallest motor Berkeley News

In summary, Professor Alex Zettl of UC Berkeley and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory has created the smallest synthetic motor to date. However, nature still holds the record with biological motors that are slightly smaller. The conversation also mentions the world's largest engine and calculations for potential horsepower.
  • #1
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"It's the smallest synthetic motor that's ever been made," said Alex Zettl, professor of physics at UC Berkeley and faculty scientist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. "Nature is still a little bit ahead of us - there are biological motors that are equal or slightly smaller in size - but we are catching up."

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http://www.berkeley.edu/news/media/releases/2003/07/23_motor.shtml
 
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  • #2
what will they think of next?!? the world's largest engine?
http://www.jerry-howell.com/12-Cylinder.html [Broken]
 
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  • #3
wow that engine is really bad. (the big one)

100,000 bhp may seem a lot, but that's only 50 bhp per ton!

2000 tonns of GSX-R 750 turbo's would make 500,000 bhp. (at 200 bhp per ton) plus would sound cooler.

i think my calculations are correct. feel free to say other wise.
 

1. What is the significance of building the world's smallest motor?

The world's smallest motor is a groundbreaking achievement in the field of nanotechnology. It showcases the ability to manipulate and control matter on a molecular level, which has numerous potential applications in fields such as medicine, electronics, and energy.

2. How was the world's smallest motor built?

The motor was built using a scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) to manipulate individual atoms and molecules. The scientists carefully arranged a single molecule rotor between two electrodes, creating a motor that is only 1 nanometer in size.

3. What is the purpose of building such a small motor?

Aside from the scientific curiosity and achievement, the purpose of building the world's smallest motor is to explore the fundamental limits of miniaturization and to push the boundaries of what is possible with nanotechnology. It also has potential practical applications in nanoelectronics and nanomedicine.

4. How does the world's smallest motor work?

The motor operates through the rotation of a single molecule rotor, which is powered by the flow of electrons through the electrodes. The rotation is controlled by varying the voltage applied to the electrodes, which changes the energy landscape of the molecule and allows for precise control of the motor's movement.

5. What are the future implications of this achievement?

The world's smallest motor opens up new possibilities for nanotechnology and its potential applications. It could lead to advancements in miniaturization of electronic devices, improved drug delivery systems in medicine, and even the development of molecular machines that could perform specific tasks at the nanoscale. This achievement also highlights the incredible capabilities of scientists and the potential for continued advancements in nanotechnology.

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