The Energy System of Matter: A Deduction from Terrestrial Energy Phenomena

Under normal conditions, however, the operation of the atmospheric machine is smooth and continuous. The earth's axial energy, under the sun's incepting influence, steadily flows at all parts of the earth's surface through the aqueous vapour into the atmospheric masses, and the latter, rising from the terrestrial surface, with a motion somewhat like that of a column of smoke, spread out and speed towards regions of lower velocity, and travelling by devious and lengthened paths towards the surface, steadily return the abstracted energy in its original form. Every operation is exactly balanced; energy expenditure and energy return are complementary; the terrestrial atmospheric machine as a whole works without jar or discontinuity, and the earth's motion of rotation is maintained with absolute uniformity.

Like every other energy machine, the atmospheric machine has clearly-defined energy limits. The total quantity of energy in operation is strictly limited by the mass of the acting materials. It is well, also, to note the purely mechanical nature of the machine. Every operation is in reality the operation of mechanical energy, and involves the movement of matter in some way or other relative to the earth's surface and under the incepting action of the earth's gravitation (§§ 16, 20). The moving gaseous masses have as real an existence as masses of lead or other solid material, and require as real an expenditure of energy to move them relative to the terrestrial surface (§ 18). This aspect of the planetary machine will be more fully treated later.

Throughout this description we have constantly assumed the atmospheric mixture of oxygen and nitrogen to act as one gas, and at ordinary temperatures the respective energy properties of the two substances (§ 35) make this assumption justifiable. Both gases are then working far above their respective evaporation temperatures. But, in the higher regions of the atmosphere, where very low temperatures prevail, a point or altitude will be reached where the temperature corresponds to the evaporation or condensation temperature of one of the gases. Since oxygen appears to have the highest temperature of evaporation (see Table of Properties, p. 133), it would naturally be the first to condense in the ascent. But immediately condensation takes place, the material will become susceptible to the incepting influence of the sun, and working as it does at its temperature of evaporation it will convey its energy to the surrounding nitrogen in precisely the same fashion as the aqueous vapour conveys the energy to the aerial mixture in the lower atmosphere. The whole action is made possible simply by the difference existing in the respective evaporation temperatures of the two gases. It will give rise to another cyclical atmospheric energy process exactly as already described for lower altitudes. Axial energy of rotation will be communicated to the nitrogen by the working material, which is now the oxygen, and by the movement of the nitrogen masses towards regions of low velocity, this transmitted energy will be finally returned to its original axial form.

It has been already explained (§§ 10, 32) how all terrestrial energy processes, also, great or small, are sooner or later linked to the general atmospheric machine. The latter, therefore, presents in every phase of its working completely closed energy circuits. In no aspect of its operation can we find any evidence of, or indeed any necessity for, an energy transmission either to or from any external body or agent such as the sun. Every phenomenon of Nature is, in fact, a direct denial of such transmission.

The student of terrestrial phenomena will readily find continuous and ample evidence in Nature of the working of the atmospheric machine. In the rising vapour and the falling rain he will recognise the visible signs of the operation of that great secondary process of transmission by which the inherent axial energy of the earth is communicated to the air masses. The movements of bodies, animate and inanimate, on the earth's surface, the phenomena of growth and decay, and in fact almost every experience of everyday life, will reveal to him the persistent tendency of the energy of secondary processes to revert to the atmospheric machine. And in the winds that traverse the face of the globe he will also witness the mechanism of that energy return which completes the atmospheric cyclical process. It may be pointed out here also that the terrestrial cyclical energy processes are not necessarily all embodied in the atmosphere. The author has reason to believe, and phenomenal evidence is not awanting to show, that the circulatory motions of the atmosphere are in some degree reproduced in the sea. The reader will readily perceive that as regards stability the water composing the sea is in precisely the same condition as the atmosphere, namely, that of a liquid heated in its upper strata, and any circulatory motion of the water must therefore be accompanied by corresponding transformations of energy. That such a circulatory motion takes place is undoubted, and in the moving mass of sea-water we have therefore a perfectly reversible energy machine of the same general nature as the atmospheric machine, but working at a very much slower rate. It is not beyond the limits of legitimate scientific deduction to trace also the working of a similar machine in the solid material of the earth. The latter is, after all, but an agglomeration of loose material bound by the force of gravitation into coherent form. By the action of various erosive agencies a movement of solid material is continually taking place over the earth's surface. The material thus transported, it may be, from mountain chains, and deposited on the sea-bed, causes a disturbance of that gravitational equilibrium which defines the exact form of the earth. The forces tending to maintain this equilibrium are so enormous compared with the cohesive forces of the material forming the earth that readjustment continuously takes place, as evidenced by the tremors observed in the earth's crust. Where the structure of the latter is of such a nature as to offer great resistance to the gravitational forces, the readjustment may take the form of an earthquake. Geological evidence, as a whole, strongly points to a continuous kneading and flow of terrestrial material. The structure of igneous rocks, also, is exactly that which would be produced from alluvial deposits subjected during these cyclical movements to the enormous pressure and consequent heating caused by superimposed material. The occurrence of coal in polar regions, and of glacial residue in the tropics, may be regarded as further corroborative evidence. From this point of view also, it becomes unnecessary to postulate a genesis for the earth, as every known geological formation is shown to be capable of production under present conditions in Nature, and in fact to be in actual process of production at all times.

42. Experimental Analogy and Demonstration of the General Mechanism of Energy Transformation and Return in the Atmospheric Cycle

In the preceding articles, the atmospheric machine has been regarded more or less from the purely physical point of view. The purpose of this demonstration is now to place before the reader what might be termed the mechanical aspects of the machine; to give an outline, using simple experimental analogies, of its nature and operation when considered purely and simply as a mechanism for the transformation and return of mechanical energy.

Familiar apparatus is used in illustration. In all cases, it is merely some adaptation of the simple pendulum (§ 21). Its minute structural details are really of slight importance in the discussion, and have accordingly been ignored, but the apparatus generally, and the energy operations embodied therein, are so familiar to physicists and engineers that the experimental results illustrated can be readily verified by everyday experience. It is of great importance, also, in considering these results, to bear in mind the principles already enunciated (§§ 13, 20) with reference to the operation of mechanical energy on the various forms of matter. The general working conditions of energy systems with respect to energy limits, stability, and reversibility (§ 23) should also be kept in view.

As an introductory step we shall review first a simple system of rotating pendulums. Two simple pendulums CM and DM1 (Fig. 9) are mounted by means of a circular collar CD upon a vertical spindle AB, which is supported at A and B and free to rotate. When the central spindle AB is at rest the pendulums hang vertically; when energy is applied to the system, and AB is thereby caused to rotate, the spherical masses M and M1 will rise by circular paths about C and D. This upward movement, considered apart from the centrifugal influence producing it, corresponds in itself to the upward movement of the simple pendulum (§ 21) against gravity. It is representative of a definite transformation, namely, the transformation of the work energy originally applied to the system and manifested in its rotary motion, into energy of position. The movements of the rotating pendulums will also be accompanied by other energy operations associated with bearing friction and windage (§§ 23, 29), but these operations being part of a separate and complete cyclical energy process (§ 32), they will in this case be neglected.

Fig. 9

It will be readily seen, however, that the working of this rotating pendulum machine, when considered as a whole, is of a nature somewhat different from that of the simple pendulum machine in that the energy of position of the former (as measured by the vertical displacement of M and M1 in rotation) and its energy of rotation must increase concurrently, and also in that the absolute maximum value of this energy of position will be attained when the pendulum masses reach merely the horizontal level HL in rotation. The machines are alike, however, in this respect, that the transformation of energy of motion into energy of position is in each case a completely reversible process. In the working of the rotating pendulums the limiting amount of energy which can operate in this reversible process is dependent on and rigidly defined by the maximum length of the pendulum arms; the longer the arms, the greater is the possible height through which the masses at their extremities must rise to attain the horizontal position in rotation. It will be clear also that it is not possible for the whole energy of the rotating system to work in the reversible process as in the case of the simple pendulum. As the pendulum masses rise, the ratio of the limiting energy for reversibility to the total energy of the system becomes in fact smaller and smaller, until at the horizontal or position of maximum energy it reaches a minimum value. This is merely an aspect of the experimental fact that, as the pendulum masses approach the ultimate horizontal position, a much greater increment of energy to the system is necessary for their elevation through a given vertical distance than at the lower levels. A larger proportion of the applied energy is, in fact, stored in the material of the system in the form of energy of strain or distortion.

The two points which this system is designed to illustrate, and which it is desirable to emphasise, are thus as follows. Firstly, as the whole system rotates, the movement of the pendulum masses M and M1 from the lower to the higher levels, or from the regions of low to those of higher velocity, is productive of a transformation of the rotatory energy of the system into energy of position—a transformation of the same nature as in the case of the simple pendulum system. Neglecting the minor transformations (§§ 24, 29), this energy process is a reversible one, and consequently, the return of the masses from the higher to the lower positions will be accompanied by the complete return of the transformed energy in its original form of energy of rotation. Secondly, the maximum amount of energy which can work in this reversible process is always less than the total energy of the system. The latter, therefore, conforms to the general condition of stability (§ 25).

But this arrangement of rotating pendulums may be extended so as to include other features. To eliminate or in a manner replace the influence of gravitation, and to preserve the energy of position of the system—relative to the earth's surface—at a constant value, the pendulum arms may be assumed to be duplicated or extended to the points K and R (Fig. 10) respectively, where pendulum masses equal to M and M1 are attached.

The arms MK and M1R are thus continuous. Each arm is assumed to be pivoted at its middle point about a horizontal axis through N, and as the lower masses M and M1 rise in the course of the rotatory movement about AB the upper masses K and R will fall by corresponding amounts. The total energy of position of the system—referred to the earth's surface—thus remains constant whatever may be the position of the masses in the system. The restraining influence on the movement of the masses, formerly exercised by gravitation, is now furnished by means of a central spring F. A collar CD, connected as shown to the pendulum arms, slides on the spindle AB and compresses this spring as the masses move towards the horizontal level HL. As the masses return towards A and B the spring is released.

Fig. 10

If energy be applied to the system, so that it is caused to rotate about the central axis AB, the pendulum masses will tend to move outwards from that axis. Their movement may be said to be carried out over the surface of an imaginary sphere with centre on AB at N. The motion of the masses, as the velocity of rotation increases, is from the region of lower peripheral velocity, in the vicinity of the axis AB, to the regions of higher velocity, in the neighbourhood of H and L. This outward movement from the central axis towards H and L is representative of a transformation of energy of an exactly similar nature to that described above in the simple case. Part of the original energy of rotation of the system is now stored in the pendulum masses in virtue of their new position of displacement. But in this case, the movement is made, not against gravity, but against the central spring F. The energy, then, which in the former case might be said to be stored against gravitation (acting as an invisible spring) is in this case stored in the form of energy of strain or cohesion (§ 15) in the central spring, which thus as it were takes the place of gravitation in the system. As in the previous case also, the operation is a reversible energy process. If the pendulum masses move in the opposite direction from the regions of higher velocity to those of lower velocity, the energy stored in the spring will be returned to the system in its original form of energy of motion. A vibratory motion of the pendulums to and from the central axis would thus be productive of an alternate storage and return of energy. It is obvious also, that due to the action of centrifugal force, the pendulum masses would tend to move radially outwards on the arms as they move towards the regions of highest velocity. Let this radial movement be carried out against the action of four radial springs S1, S2, S3, S4, as shown (Fig. 11). In virtue of the radial movement of the masses, these springs will be compressed and energy stored in them in the form of energy of strain or cohesion (§ 15). The radial movement implies also that the masses will be elevated from the surface of the imaginary sphere over which they are assumed to move. The elevation from this surface will be greatest in the regions of high velocity in the neighbourhood of H and L, and least at A and B. As the masses move, therefore, from H and L towards the axis AB, they will also move inwards on the pendulum arms, relieving the springs, so that the energy stored in them is free to be returned to the system in its original form of energy of rotation. Every movement of the masses from the central axis outwards against the springs is thus made at the expense of the original energy of motion, and every movement inwards provokes a corresponding return of that energy to the system. Every movement also against the springs forms part of a reversible operation. The sum total of the energy which works in these reversible operations is always less than the complete energy of the rotatory system, and the latter is always stable (§ 25), with respect to its energy properties. Let it now be assumed that the complete system as described is possessed of a precise and limited amount of energy of rotation, and that with the pendulum masses in an intermediate position as shown (Fig. 11) it is rotating with uniform angular velocity. The condition of the rotatory system might now be described as that of equilibrium. A definite amount of its original rotatory energy is now stored in the central spring and also in the radial springs. If now, without alteration in the intrinsic rotatory energy of the system, the pendulum masses were to execute a vibratory or pendulum motion about the position of equilibrium so that they move alternately to and from the central axis, then as they move inwards towards that axis the energy stored in the springs would be returned to the system in the original form of energy of rotation. This inward motion would, accordingly, produce acceleration. But, in the outward movement from the position of equilibrium, retardation would ensue on account of energy of motion being withdrawn from the system and stored in the springs.

Fig. 11

Under the given conditions, then, any vibratory motion of the pendulum masses to and from the central axis would be accompanied by alternate retardation and acceleration of the moving system. The storage of energy in the springs (central and radial) produces retardation, the restoration of this energy gives rise to a corresponding acceleration. The angular velocity of the system would rise and fall accordingly. These are the natural conditions of working of the system. As already pointed out, the motion of the pendulum masses may be regarded as executed over the surface of an imaginary sphere. Their motion against the radial springs would therefore correspond to a displacement outwards or upwards from the spherical surface. A definite part of the effect of retardation is, of course, due to this outward or radial displacement of the masses.

Assuming still the property of constancy of energy of rotation, let it now be supposed that in such a vibratory movement of the pendulum masses as described above, the energy required merely for the displacement of the masses against the radial springs is not withdrawn from and obtained at the expense of the original rotatory energy of the system, but is obtained from some energy agency, completely external to the system, and to which energy cannot be returned. The retardation, normally due to the outward displacement of the masses against the radial springs, would not then take place. But the energy is, nevertheless, stored in the springs. It now, therefore, forms part of the energy of the system, and consequently, on the returning or inward movement of vibration of the masses towards the central axis, this energy, received from the external source, would pass directly from the springs to the rotational energy of the system. It is clear, then, that while the introduction of energy in this fashion from an external source has in part eliminated the effect of retardation, the accelerating effect must still operate as before. Each vibratory movement of the pendulum system, under the given conditions, will lead to a definite increase in its energy of rotation by the amount stored in the radial springs. If the vibratory movement is continuous, the rotatory velocity of the system will steadily increase in value. Energy once stored in the radial springs can only be released by the return movement of the masses and in the form of energy of rotation; the nature of the mechanical machine is, in fact, such that if any incremental energy is applied to the displacement of the masses against the radial springs, it can only be returned in this form of energy of motion.

These features of this experimental system are of vital importance to the author's scheme. They may be illustrated more completely, however, and in a form more suitable for their most general application, by the hypothetical system now to be described. This system is, of course, devised for purely illustrative purposes, but the general principles of working of pendulum systems and of energy return, as demonstrated above, will be assumed.

43. Application of Pendulum Principles

The movements of the pendulum masses described in the previous article have been regarded as carried out over the surface of an imaginary sphere. Let us now proceed to consider the phenomena of a similar movement of material over the surface of an actual spherical mass. The precise dimensions of the sphere are of little moment in the discussion, but for the purpose of illustration, its mass and general outline may be assumed to correspond to that of the earth or other planetary body. This spherical mass A (Fig. 12) rotates with uniform angular velocity about an axis NS through its centre. Associated with the rotating sphere are four auxiliary spherical masses, M1, M2, M3, M4, also of solid material, which are assumed to be placed symmetrically round its circumference as shown. These masses form an inherent part of the spherical system; they are assumed to be united to the main body of material by the attractive force of gravitation in precisely the same fashion as the atmosphere or other surface material of a planet is united to its inner core (§ 34); they will therefore partake completely of the rotatory motion of the sphere about its axis NS, moving in paths similar to those of the rotating pendulum masses already described (§ 42). The restraining action of the pendulum arms is, however, replaced in this celestial case by the action of gravitation, which is the central force or influence of the system. Opposite masses are thus only united through the attractive influence of the material of the sphere. The place of the springs, both central and radial, in our pendulum system is now taken by this centripetal force of gravitative attraction, which therefore forms the restraining influence or determining factor in all the associated energy processes. While the auxiliary masses M1 M2, &c., partake of the general motion of revolution of the main spherical mass about NS, they may also be assumed to revolve simultaneously about the axis WE, perpendicular to NS, and also passing through the centre of the sphere. Each of these masses will thus have a peculiar motion, a definite velocity over the surface of the sphere from pole to pole—about the axis WE—combined with a velocity of rotation about the central axis NS. The value of the latter velocity is, at any instant, directly proportional to the radius of the circle of latitude of the point on the surface of the sphere where the mass happens to be situated at that instant in its rotatory motion from pole to pole; this velocity accordingly diminishes as the mass withdraws from the equator, and becomes zero when it actually reaches the poles of rotation at N and S; and the energy of each mass in motion, since its linear velocity is thus constantly varying, will be itself a continuously varying quantity, increasing or diminishing accordingly as the mass is moving to or from the equatorial regions, attaining its maximum value at the equator and its minimum value at the poles. Now, since the masses thus moving are assumed to be a material and inherent portion of the spherical system, the source of the energy which is thus alternately supplied to and returned by them is the original energy of motion of the system; this original energy being assumed strictly limited in amount, the increase of the energy of each mass as it moves towards the equator will, therefore, be productive of a retardative effect on the revolution of the system as a whole. But, in a precisely similar manner, the energy thus gained by the mass would be fully returned on its movement towards the pole, and an accelerative effect would be produced corresponding to the original retardation. In the arrangement shown (Fig. 12), the moving masses are assumed to be situated at the extremities of diameters at right angles. With this symmetrical distribution, the transformation and return of energy would take place concurrently. Retardation is continually balanced by acceleration, and the motion of the sphere would, therefore, be approximately uniform about the central axis of rotation. It will be clear that the movements thus described of the masses will be very similar in nature to those of the pendulum masses in the experimental system previously discussed. The fact that the motion of the auxiliary masses over the surface of the sphere is assumed to be completely circular and not vibratory, as in the pendulum case, has no bearing on the general energy phenomena. These are readily seen to be identical in nature with those of the simpler system. In each case every movement of the masses implies either an expenditure of energy or a return, accordingly as the direction of that movement is to or from the regions of high velocity.