Difference between revisions of "Free energy (pseudoscience)"
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| − | '''Free energy''' is the idea that a low-cost power source can be found that requires little to no input to generate a significant amount of electricity. Such devices can be divided into two basic categories: "over-unity" devices that generate more energy than is provided in fuel to the device ( | + | '''Free energy''' is the idea that a low-cost power source can be found that requires little to no input to generate a significant amount of electricity. Such devices can be divided into two basic categories: "over-unity" devices that generate more energy than is provided in fuel to the device (an efficiency of over 100%, as compared to [[Perpetual motion|perpetual motion]] machines which demonstrate efficiency very close to 100% but not greater than), and ambient energy devices that try to extract energy from the environment, such as [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quantum_foam quantum foam] in the case of [[zero-point energy]] devices. |
| − | + | It is important to note that as of today there are no scientifically accepted means of extracting energy from the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casimir_effect Casimir effect] which demonstrates force but not work. Most such devices are generally found to be unworkable. Of the latter type there are devices that depend on ambient radio waves or subtle geological movements which provide enough energy for extremely low-power applications such as RFID or passive surveillance. The skeptical television show [[MythBusters]] aired an episode addressing free energy. Only the RF-capture device using a long-wire antenna proved workable. | |
| − | + | Free energy is a popular research subject for fringe inventors, but because of a lack of positive results that meet scientific standards, the field has become a haven for investment fraud and [[pseudoscience]]. | |
| − | + | Free energy runs in [[paradox]] with the [[first law of thermodynamics|first]] and [[second law of thermodynamics|second laws]] of thermodynamics; the amount of mass/energy in the universe would either have to increase (in over-unity devices), or the amount of entropy would need to decrease. Because of the relationship of entropy and work. | |
| − | + | ===But what abouts=== | |
| + | Several ideas are often cited to continue claims of free energy. | ||
| + | * [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maxwell%27s_demon Maxwell's Demon] - a thought experiment raised by James Clerk Maxwell. In practice, entropy reduced in one place is increased in another. | ||
| + | * [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casimir_effect Casimir Vacuum Fluctuations] - takes place between two uncharged plates in a vacuum. It demonstrates a force exerted by the known virtual photon field, but not work. | ||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
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*[[Joseph Newman]] | *[[Joseph Newman]] | ||
*[[Nikola Tesla]] | *[[Nikola Tesla]] | ||
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<references /> | <references /> | ||
[[Category:Pseudoscience]] | [[Category:Pseudoscience]] | ||
Revision as of 07:32, 26 May 2008
| Style over substance Pseudoscience |
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| Popular pseudosciences |
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Free energy is the idea that a low-cost power source can be found that requires little to no input to generate a significant amount of electricity. Such devices can be divided into two basic categories: "over-unity" devices that generate more energy than is provided in fuel to the device (an efficiency of over 100%, as compared to perpetual motion machines which demonstrate efficiency very close to 100% but not greater than), and ambient energy devices that try to extract energy from the environment, such as quantum foam in the case of zero-point energy devices.
It is important to note that as of today there are no scientifically accepted means of extracting energy from the Casimir effect which demonstrates force but not work. Most such devices are generally found to be unworkable. Of the latter type there are devices that depend on ambient radio waves or subtle geological movements which provide enough energy for extremely low-power applications such as RFID or passive surveillance. The skeptical television show MythBusters aired an episode addressing free energy. Only the RF-capture device using a long-wire antenna proved workable.
Free energy is a popular research subject for fringe inventors, but because of a lack of positive results that meet scientific standards, the field has become a haven for investment fraud and pseudoscience.
Free energy runs in paradox with the first and second laws of thermodynamics; the amount of mass/energy in the universe would either have to increase (in over-unity devices), or the amount of entropy would need to decrease. Because of the relationship of entropy and work.
But what abouts
Several ideas are often cited to continue claims of free energy.
- Maxwell's Demon - a thought experiment raised by James Clerk Maxwell. In practice, entropy reduced in one place is increased in another.
- Casimir Vacuum Fluctuations - takes place between two uncharged plates in a vacuum. It demonstrates a force exerted by the known virtual photon field, but not work.
See also