Conceptual Physics (12th Edition)

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

Chapter 25 - Think and Discuss - Page 483: 96

Answer

Such a scheme would violate the laws of thermodynamics, and is impossible.

Work Step by Step

The problem is that transformers can step up voltage or current, but not both. The power in the secondary equals the power in the primary, so at best, we will break even. In reality, we can't even break even. Because of inescapable inefficiencies in the generator (e.g., heating, friction), it will produce less electrical power than the mechanical power that is supplied to it. Similarly, because of inescapable inefficiencies in the motor (e.g., heating), it will produce less mechanical power than the electrical power that is supplied to it.
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