is perpetual motion possible?
548272
it is extremely possible!!!! since we now have alot more technology then when those 'science laws' were 'discovered'. no one has ever tried to test the 'laws' against the new technology. if they had, they would have found new laws, and exceptions to the old laws.
1012746
It is really impossible to know for sure, but there are several theories in physics about this.  It could be possible for multiple universes.  It put a link to Wikipedia that is very interesting reading if you are interested in learning more.
20664
This could not be done on earth because of its liquid core, but perhaps it could be done on the solid moon.\n\nAt the surface of the earth, a ball (let's say of lead) would have a potential energy (PE - energy of position) relative to the center of gravity at the center of the earth.  As the ball is released into the theoretical hole, it would accelerate (like dropping it into a well) and some of the PE would be converted to kinetic energy (KE - energy of motion).  Because energy can neither be created nor destroyed, as the ball drops its speed increases and it has more KE but less PE.  The ball will continue to accelerate until it reaches the center of the earth but with less attraction from the earth's gravitational field because more and more of the earth's mass is now above (or behind) it.  At the very center of the earth the ball would have maximum KE but minimum PE.  Passing the center the process is reversed and the ball slows as it reaches the other side of the earth's surface, all the while reconverting KE to PE.  At the opposite surface the ball would have maximum PE (equal to the original PE but of opposite sign (say - instead of +).\n\nThe process could repeat forever if there is no wind resistance (perfect vacuum - like on the moon) and the hole was perfectly smooth exerting no friction as the earth spins on its axis constantly touching the ball to the sides of the hole.\n\nOf course this must be a mental exercise; but it is an interesting demonstration of physics and energy conversion in particular.  Good luck.
591999
Sure its possible, but not likely
157999
Perpetual motion violates the law of conservation of energy (can neither be created or destroyed), so any "over unity" device will fail.  In fact, they won't even reach unity itself.  Any real world device will lose energy in the form of heat, even under the best conditions.
205512
Yes, it is theoretically possible.\n\nThey key words here are "REALLY powerful gun", and "REALLY high peak".  You learn to look for these types of words when reading physics problems, the word usage is very important in conveying which things to neglect and which to focus on.  In this case, we focus on whether it is possible or not, not in how high the peak is or how powerful the gun since we are told it is "really" powerful and "really" high.
338513
"Constant speed" is an ideal and cannot be achieved perfectly.\n\nHowever, there are ways to achieve speed regulation in a spring driven system that are constant enough to be useful. The spring-driven clock is a good example. It is accurate enough to keep time for day-to-day purposes but is not perfect. As the mainspring unwinds the watch will slow down ever so slightly.\n\nI cannot think of any energy system that is used by man that does not have some scheme for regulating the power source by negative feedback. Can you?\n\nWK
1075529
never say never, perpetual motion is easy, though some say i'm so strange that i must be from another planet, maybe that's why i keep coming up with perpetual motion/over-unity/free energy devices!
609407
Well i don't think it is possible....but if it is created it will be great...but the cost will be very high...many unsolved mysteries would be solved...hope someone invents it.. ;)
212531
Finally a way for me to pick up that 7-10 split!  :)\n\nI agree with the basic premise of oscillating assuming a vacuum (since we are assuming no molten core, why not a vacuum as well?).\n\nBut, depending on the direction of the hole in relationship to the rotational axis of the earth, wouldn't the ball start bouncing against the sides of the hole due to the mechanics similar to that of a Foucault Pendulum?
510921
No it does not. Takes more energy to twist them. If it was the same you would have a perpetual motion machine. No such thing. You are not creating energy you are only transforming it.
578064
dunno. But if you made a perpetual motion machine the testing would be a pain in the ass. I mean it would take forever. lol
346914
Yes, especially forward at a rate of 1 sec = 1 sec.\n\nI also believe that other rates are possible depending on velocity and proximity to sources of gravity.\n\nI also would like to believe that it can be reversed, but that's harder to swallow due to paradox effects.
128584
Yes. Its absolutely possible
1065659
It is not possible unless there is some external force to initiate or continue the movement. The initial movement will get off set and reduced  in course of time.
71764
There is a perpetual motion machine in the Smithsonian Institute. I creates more energy than it uses. The key is to reduce friction to a level that keeps the spinning weights spinning while producing more energy. the one in the Smithsonian Institute does this but not on a scale that would be of use in todays world of high energy consumption.
30599
The field of thermodynamics has defined that you can never get more energy out of a motor than it takes to run it.  It's called the law of the conservation of energy, and the efficiencies possible by engines have been identified by what is called the Carnot cycle.  You will always lose energy, due to the constant increase in "entropy" (a measure of useful work possible in a system) in all spontaneous processes.\n\nWhat you describe is a perpetual motion machine.  Due to the inefficiency of the motor, you will lose useable energy (ie there will be an increase in entropy) such that the motor wil slow down continually until it eventually comes to a stop.\n\nI had this same idea when I was a kid until my dad set me straight.  Then I was very sad.