I was reading up on Steorn, and it reminded me of an idea for a perpetual motion machine that I came up with when I was relatively young. My science teacher never took the time to explain why it wouldn't work, and a quick search for 'science forum' brought me here.
Wouldn't mind a little insight. :wink:
The eight blue rectangles represent permanent magnets - all of which have the same polarity. The inner four are attached to a flywheel. The outer four magnets are fixed in place, and partially obscured by the magnetic shields shown in red (which, I am assured, do exist). These are in place so that the magnets on the flywheel are only exposed to the magnetic field of the outer magnets once they are moving away from it. Since the magnets are of the same polarity, the wheel on the flywheel will be repelled, applying additional torque to the flywheel.
Now, I don't claim that this would work as I did come up with it when I was young and naive, but I still don't know why it wouldn't and wouldn't mind a little insight if someone would take the time?
Thanks.![]()