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perpetual-motion machine
perpetual-motion machine device that would be able to operate continuously and supply useful work, in violation of the laws of thermodynamics . A machine that would produce more energy in the form of work than is supplied to it in the form of heat would violate the first law of thermodynamics, which is a special case of the law of conservation of energy (see conservation laws , in physics), and is known as a perpetual-motion machine of the first kind. A machine that would completely convert heat from a warm body into work, without letting any heat flow into a cooler body, would violate the second law of thermodynamics, which is concerned with entropy changes, and is known as a perpetual-motion machine of the second kind. There were a number of early attempts to design and construct various types of perpetual-motion machines; however, since the 19th cent., when the laws of thermodynamics became understood, most such attempts have been abandoned. |
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"perpetual-motion machine." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. 1 Jun. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "perpetual-motion machine." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. (June 1, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-perpetua.html "perpetual-motion machine." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Retrieved June 01, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-perpetua.html |
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perpetual motion
per·pet·u·al mo·tion • n. a state in which movement or action is or appears to be continuous and unceasing. ∎ the motion of a hypothetical machine that, once activated, would run forever unless subject to an external force or to wear. |
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"perpetual motion." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Encyclopedia.com. 1 Jun. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "perpetual motion." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Encyclopedia.com. (June 1, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O999-perpetualmotion.html "perpetual motion." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Retrieved June 01, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O999-perpetualmotion.html |
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