Where the extra energy comes from?

In summary, the extra energy in biological systems primarily comes from the conversion of food into usable energy through metabolic processes. This involves breaking down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins to release energy stored in their chemical bonds, which is then utilized for various cellular functions and activities. Additionally, energy can be harnessed from sunlight in photosynthetic organisms, contributing to the overall energy flow in ecosystems.
  • #1
habiler
5
1
Let's say you've created a very large balloon that doesn't explode in a vacuum and filled it with a gas lighter than air. Next, attach the balloon to a basic electric generator with a very light rope and place the balloon in a vacuum tube. Due to the balloon's weight, it will descend in the tube, generating some electricity. After that, remove the balloon from the tube and allow it to rise in the atmosphere to the upper end of the tube. Now, the balloon is back at the starting position with the same potential energy, and you have generated some electricity. Where does the electricity come from?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
:welcome:

How do you get the balloon in and out of the vacuum?
 
  • #3
PeroK said:
:welcome:

How are you getting the balloon in and out of the vacuum?
I hadn't considered that part; perhaps there could be two airtight compartments at each end of the tube. Place the balloon in the tube and then seal it shut.
 
  • #4
habiler said:
I hadn't considered that part; perhaps there could be two airtight compartments at each end of the tube. Place the balloon in the tube and then seal it shut.
Do you think that might take some energy?
 
  • #5
PeroK said:
Do you think that might take some energy?
Why? If you make compartments just enough size to fit the baloon inside and tube will not get any air inside.
 
  • #6
habiler said:
Why? If you make compartments just enough size to fit the baloon inside and tube will not get any air inside.
I don't see how you can get a balloon into a vacuum chamber without the air getting in. The balloon is, by your own design, lighter than air. I would say that the chamber would fill with air unless you forced the balloon in. I don't think you've thought this through!
 
  • Like
Likes phinds, russ_watters, Vanadium 50 and 1 other person
  • #7
PeroK said:
I don't see how you can get a balloon into a vacuum chamber without the air getting in. The balloon is, by your own design, lighter than air. I would say that the chamber would fill with air unless you forced the balloon in. I don't think you've thought this through!
Makes sense. So you're saying there is no way to put the baloon inside without air getting in and created electricity comes from using force to put the baloon in vacuum.
 
  • #8
habiler said:
Makes sense. So you're saying there is no way to put the baloon inside without air getting in and created electricity comes from using force to put the baloon in vacuum.
That's one problem. Attaching the balloon to an external generator is another.
 
  • #9
PeroK said:
That's one problem. Attaching the balloon to an external generator is another.
Ok i got it thanks for the help.
 
  • Like
Likes PeroK
  • #10
We don’t discuss perpetual motion machines here, so I have closed the thread.

habiler said:
So you're saying there is no way to put the baloon inside without air getting in
Even if you could form an airtight seal and never get any leaking, you still would not get free energy. To extract the balloon itself requires you to displace the air. Essentially you have to lift the atmosphere. This is more than the energy extracted on the way down. All buoyancy based perpetual motion machines that I have seen neglect that. They neglect the fact that at some point you have to lift or displace the external fluid.
 
  • Like
Likes russ_watters, phinds, PeroK and 1 other person

FAQ: Where the extra energy comes from?

Where does the extra energy come from in a chemical reaction?

The extra energy in a chemical reaction typically comes from the breaking and forming of chemical bonds. When bonds in reactants break, energy is required, and when new bonds form in the products, energy is released. If the energy released in forming the new bonds is greater than the energy required to break the original bonds, the reaction releases extra energy, often in the form of heat.

How is extra energy generated in nuclear reactions?

In nuclear reactions, extra energy comes from the conversion of mass into energy, as described by Einstein's equation, E=mc². This occurs when the nuclei of atoms are split (fission) or combined (fusion), resulting in a small amount of mass being converted into a large amount of energy.

Where does the extra energy come from in renewable energy systems like solar panels?

In renewable energy systems such as solar panels, the extra energy comes from natural sources. For solar panels, energy is harnessed from sunlight through the photovoltaic effect, where photons from the sun excite electrons in the solar cells, generating electricity.

How do living organisms get extra energy during physical activity?

Living organisms obtain extra energy during physical activity from the metabolism of stored nutrients like carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. These nutrients are broken down through various biochemical pathways, such as glycolysis and the citric acid cycle, to produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the primary energy carrier in cells.

Where does the extra energy come from in an electrical circuit?

In an electrical circuit, the extra energy comes from an external power source, such as a battery or a generator. This power source provides the necessary voltage to drive the flow of electrons through the circuit, supplying energy to power electrical devices.

Similar threads

Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
17
Views
3K
Replies
74
Views
4K
Replies
2
Views
10K
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
11
Views
5K
Back
Top