Tell me more ×  At it's simplest, electricity generation is
achieved by induced voltage due to a changing magnetic field. In
a vacuum in the absence of friction, would the initial spin
imparted to the rotor of a generator ever come to a halt?  i.e.
Would a traditional generator in space generate electricity
perpetually (notwithstanding component failure etc)?
share|improve this question add comment  1 Answer  up vote 2
down vote accepted  No, because the process of transferring the
voltage into a useable form or device will reduce it. In other
words, under perfectly idealized conditions (which are
impossible), yes it might spin forever, but as soon as you try
to use your generator to power a device, you'll slow it down.
share|improve this answer It is also worth noting that without
superconducting wire throughout, the resistance of the wire
would dissipate the concentration of energy of the initial
conditions. Additionally, depending on the arrangement of the
equipment, Lenz's law would slow the rotor over