Is it really this easy?

[G'th]

So, whilst trolling google images becuase boredom, I came across this image:

 

And a thought occurs. Does this actually work? Logically my mind says no, and even if it did move it'd eventually stop anyway, I would think.  Intuitively though, my mind is saying well of course it works, duh!

 

Someone with a bit more knowledge on magnetism weigh in on this.

[Superfluous J]

All I needed to see was the trollface and knew it was not possible.

Also: If it worked, we'd no longer be burning oil for most everything ever. And we'd all live in a Utopia.

Edited June 4, 2016 by 5thHorseman

[insert_name]

No, the magnets are pulled towards the turbine as well, net torque would be 0

[HebaruSan]

Replace the magnets with rubber bands that exert the same amount of pull between the same parts. All they do is try to compress the structure, not rotate it.

[PB666]

9 minutes ago, G'th said:

So, whilst trolling google images becuase boredom, I came across this image:

 

And a thought occurs. Does this actually work? Logically my mind says no, and even if it did move it'd eventually stop anyway, I would think.  Intuitively though, my mind is saying well of course it works, duh!

 

Someone with a bit more knowledge on magnetism weigh in on this.

And you believed that because of the big sarcastic looking face?

Yes it can work if the magnets are attached to a separate  bar and you are the one turning it not the wind. 

[G'th]

Just to set the record straight, I knew the image was a joke, my curiosity was just piqued as to exactly why it didn't work.

[cubinator]

3 hours ago, G'th said:

Just to set the record straight, I knew the image was a joke, my curiosity was just piqued as to exactly why it didn't work.

It's because while the magnets do pull on the turbine blades, the blades are also pulled towards the magnets with an equal amount of force. Thus, the whole thing would just compress slightly and it would not rotate. It's the same reason you can't move a car by pushing on the dashboard. The dashboard is pushed forward, but you are pushed back into the seat equally so the net force is zero.

[Elrond Cupboard]

[Spaceception]

Moar;

I could go on as long as these exist

[Bill Phil]

6 hours ago, G'th said:

Just to set the record straight, I knew the image was a joke, my curiosity was just piqued as to exactly why it didn't work.

Onr magnet pulls one blade towards it. The other does the same. 

A force is being applied, but it's canceled out by the other magnet applying force.