If magnets can create an induced electrical current, and magnets output force forever, why can't we use this for unlimited electricity?

Answer 1

Because we have to do work to move the conductor through the magnetic field.

In a lossless setup, If you contrived to move a conductor through a magnetic field at 1 meter per second such that it produced enough power to raise 1kg mass by 1 meter per second, then moving the conductor would feel exactly the same as lifting the mass.You would need to apply the same force, use the same energy, and would feel the same reaction force.

I think people are mislead because there is no material contact between the magnet and the wire. But the work done by the electricity presents through the magnetic field exactly like friction to the moving the conductor. If you ever use a hand crank generator / dynamo it gets harder to turn when you switch the lights on.

Answer 2

I can lie on my bed all night exerting a force mg.
And I can sit on my blot all day also exerting a force mg

And exactly how much WORK am I going to get done for all of this FORCE? ( Answer not a great deal )
Energy requires both a force AND a movement. Which is where the problem arises. Unless you move the magnet it cannot do work.
But if you DO move the magnet then YOU have to supply the work. The magnet does not.

Answer 3

We do it every day. They are called generators. But the magnets (or the wiring) have to MOVE past each other to generate electricity. So, hydroelectric generators in large dams use water power to keep these components moving.

In summary, a stationary magnet will not produce an electrical current in a wire. But a moving magnet does. As long as it (or the wire) keeps moving, by whatever means, there is an unlimited amount of electricity to be had.

Answer 4

There has to be relative movement between the conductor and the magnet. This requires a force to maintain the relative movement. So, the current is produced by the work performed by the force.

Answer 5

there is actually unlimited electrical potential that flows through the earth .. its a matter of harnessing it ... if you look up youtube videos you can find some of people demonstrating how it could work putting metal stakes across the yard ...

Answer 6

You could, but you still have to find the energy to convert into electrical energy. It won't come from nothing. Mechanical energy is the normal source (move the magnet or move the wire).

Answer 7

The magnets have to move is why. That requires energy. You cannot ignore entropy.