Why is use of the earth's magnetic field not a feasible means of flight?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the feasibility of using the Earth's magnetic field for flight. Participants conclude that the Earth's magnetic field is insufficiently strong to provide the necessary lift for flight. The magnetic field's relative weakness compared to other forces, such as gravity, renders it impractical for aviation purposes. The conversation also touches on the effects of the magnetic field on everyday objects, indicating that while it exists, its influence is not significant enough to affect devices like watches and electrical equipment.

PREREQUISITES

  • Understanding of electric fields and forces, specifically the equation E=F/q.
  • Basic knowledge of magnetic fields and their properties.
  • Familiarity with concepts of lift and gravity in aviation.
  • Awareness of the limitations of magnetic fields in practical applications.

NEXT STEPS

  • Research the strength of the Earth's magnetic field compared to other magnetic fields.
  • Explore the principles of lift in aviation and how they relate to magnetic forces.
  • Investigate alternative technologies for flight that utilize magnetic fields, such as maglev trains.
  • Study the effects of magnetic fields on electronic devices and their operational thresholds.

USEFUL FOR

Aerospace engineers, physicists, and anyone interested in the principles of flight and the applications of magnetic fields in technology.

eku_girl83
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The people on this forum where so helpful with my last problems that I'm posting again! Here are the two I'm having trouble with:
1) What must be the charge (sign and magnitude) of a 1 g particle for it to remain stationary when placed in a downward-directed electric field of magnitude 530N/C? I know the equation E=F/q, but I'm not sure how to apply it in this case.
2) Why is use of the Earth's magnetic field not a feasible means of flight?

Thanks again :)
 
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does the Earth's magnetic field have that greater effect on us?? i would have thought not otherwise our watches and electrical equipment would be affected. However the field lines are always represented as going out of the earth. hmmm this is quite a conundrum. I would say that the Earth's magnetic field is not strong enough RELATIVELY to be used for flight.
 

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