Conceptual Physics (12th Edition)

Published by Addison-Wesley
ISBN 10: 0321909100
ISBN 13: 978-0-32190-910-7

Chapter 18 - Think and Discuss - Page 353: 91

Answer

This is kind of a trick question. A branch of physics known as quantum mechanics deals with atomic motion, and one finds that the rules are quite different for atomic-sized objects. Atoms and molecules are in perpetual motion because there is no small-scale analogue to friction that robs them of their energy. However, this perpetual motion cannot be tapped to provide any net energy output.
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