Different poles and arrange them in a circle

In summary: However, in this case, the magnets would exert a force on the metal, which would cause it to move, thus converting potential energy into kinetic energy. This process would continue as long as an external energy source is provided, making it similar to a perpetual motion machine in that it can continue to function without stopping. In summary, arranging magnets in a circle with alternating poles and placing a metal in the middle would result in a perpetual motion machine as long as an external energy source is provided.
  • #1
ACLerok
194
0
say I take magnets of different poles and arrange them in a circle sorting them by one + and then another - and so on and I fixed them so they would nto move. What would happen if you placed a metal inthemiddle. Would this be kinda like a perpetual motion machine since the magnets onthe outside would be pulling/pushing on the middle metal creating kinetic energy? just something ithought of on the bus.
 
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  • #2
ACLerok said:
What would happen if you placed a metal inthemiddle.
If you placed it exactly in the middle, it would just stay there, since there would be just as much force on either side.




ACLerok said:
Would this be kinda like a perpetual motion machine ...
If you mean "machine" in the sense of an object from which work can be extracted, then it will be in perpetual motion as long as you supply it with some source of energy. You can know this without ever looking at the specifics of your configuration since you are talking about magnets, which is based on a classical model of electromagentism, which in tern takes energy conservation of a closed system as a fundamental premise.




ACLerok said:
... since the magnets onthe outside would be pulling/pushing on the middle metal creating kinetic energy?
Kinetic energy cannot be "created" in the ex nihilo since; it must be converted from another existing form.
 

1. What are the different poles and how are they arranged in a circle?

The different poles refer to the poles of the Earth's magnetic field - the North Pole and the South Pole. When arranging them in a circle, the North Pole is placed at the top, while the South Pole is placed at the bottom.

2. What is the significance of arranging the poles in a circle?

Arranging the poles in a circle is a common practice in maps and diagrams to represent the Earth's magnetic field. It helps to visualize the direction and strength of the field at different points on the Earth's surface.

3. Are the poles always arranged in a circle?

No, the poles are not always arranged in a circle. The Earth's magnetic field is constantly changing, and the poles can shift and move over time. In fact, the North and South magnetic poles have been known to switch places in the past.

4. Can the poles be arranged in any other shape besides a circle?

Yes, the poles can be arranged in other shapes besides a circle. Some diagrams may show the poles in a square or oval shape, depending on the purpose and the area being represented.

5. How are the poles used in navigation?

The poles play a crucial role in navigation, as they help determine the direction of North and South. Compasses work by aligning with the Earth's magnetic field, with the North pole pointing towards the Earth's magnetic North and the South pole pointing towards the Earth's magnetic South.

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