Question

Why can't magnet be used as an energy source? They have a unique trait compared to all physical objects discovered today, and that a force present and in a good type magnet in a fairly conservative environment, that force can last for over 100 years.

So why can't it be a source of power?

Answer 1

@cwrw238 @phi @Zarkon

Answer 2

@radar @CliffSedge

Answer 3

I would say there has to be movement to do work.

Answer 4

Agreed. Force alone does not provide energy. Energy is conserved and to get energy from the magnet, you have to put energy into the magnet in the form of motion to generate an electric field, for example.

Answer 5

True. Good points!
I've been thinking about this and a lot would refuse to talk to me because of this topic... Truth is they believe im leaning more to perpetual motion decices etc... And I remind them that I do not believe in all of that I just asked a common logical question about a source of energy that can be depleted over time.

Answer 6

It is a good question, and keep that inquiring mind working. Good luck.

Answer 7

Thank you @radar I appreciate it.

I personally im pursuing this further with the belief that I could discover something useful.

Answer 8

That is a good attitude. I logging off good luck.

Answer 9

I don't know what you mean by "depleted over time" - do you think that a magnetic field decreases over time as it does work?

Answer 10

@CliffSedge Not by doing work. But other factors surrounding the magnet could effect its magnetic field "over time" yes. A magnetic field of a magnet is not guaranteed to last for a very long time.

Answer 11

I understand. Ok. But if you are talking about using magnets to produce energy, there has to be motion involved, so you need another energy source to provide the motion.

Answer 12

Yea that I fully agree with! Thanks @CliffSedge
You can't get energy out of nothing! (Law of conservation + thermodynamics!)

Thanks!

Answer 13

Magnets are used as an energy source right now; that is how most electrical generators and power plants generate electrical power. I suspect you are talking about something else, though.

Answer 14

@phi @ghazi @Zarkon @saifoo.khan @dpaInc Help!

Answer 15

@AccessDenied

Answer 16

@zepdrix @timo86m

Answer 17

i think it has to do something with being conservative. Just like gravity cant be used as an energy source. unless it already has a high potential as in being relatively high. THat is gravitational potential energy. In electronics it is the volt. And in magnetism idk what it is called. But there must be potential based on velocity, position, and magnetic force.

Answer 18

well, as far as use of energy is concerned there are certain rules for the use of energy,
--> energy must be in transient or motion, energy associated with magnetic bar is concerned, its stagnant . obviously we use this energy when if a conductor is moved in a stationary field FRIDAYS LAW, second example is small sized DC motor where rotor is rotated in the presence of stationary magnetic field to get energy, so basically we need energy in transient to use. Also, strength of magnetic field of a permanent magnetic decreases with time. So eventually, thing that matters is energy in motion for some use. like if a body is on a inclined surface it has got potential energy but of no use, when it moves or pushed down the surface that energy is used as kinetic energy. Finally we can use magnetic energy but it should be in motion, like changing amount of magnetic flux
@OneOwOne hope that helps

Answer 19

yea the basic answer is.. just cause you can have a force.. doesn't mean you can get work done out of it.. for example.. earth is exerting gravitational force.. but to get work done out of it.. you need to first do work agaisnt it.. which gets stored up as P.E and then you can get work done out of it.. .. so the same holds for your magnet.. ! first you need to do work in taking something away from your magnet .. and in the process you have put some energy ..

Answer 20

Thank you guys so much. I think this is a very very helpful discussion. Thank you!

Answer 21

@timo86m I thought magnetic force is a non-conservative one?

Answer 22

@ghazi basic rule of energy huh: Potential converted to Kinetic = good energy source!

Answer 23

Since the "motion" part is important.

Answer 24

lol i was taking an example buddy but i showed how magnetic field is used as energy resource ;)

Answer 25

Yea @ghazi I know a pretty good one too!

Answer 26

But a lot of people debunk any ideas of magnet due to "free-energy" non-sense... I believe there is light at the end of this tunnel!

Answer 27

Free energy idealist destroyed the good reputation of magnets I believe, because they propose the foolish idea of perpetual motion... I mean COME ON nothing really lasts forever(In my opinion). Whats worse is that it "creates" energy... You certain can NOT! Its like saying I'll create a meter, or an inch... How the ...?!

Answer 28

You can't create a property of a system... I guess ignorance is bliss for them lol.

Sorry for my ongoing rage... But Im a fan of magnetism and my team has been underrated significantly.

Generally I'd like to thank you all for my frist question answered fairly well!

Answer 29

You can never say that.. because.. whatever you are saying right now is based on certain laws of physics that has been laid down.. which may not be necessarily true!.. We might be able to CREATE energy.. you never.. until einstien came in.. we didn't know mass could be destroyed and be converted to energy now did we? :P.. maybe we could convert our thoughts into energy.. our thoughts could be a form of very weak energy and when concentrated convert it into some mechanical work (pyschogenesis/telekinesis)..

Answer 30

@Mashy Ur right. We'll see what the future holds.