Simple Space Travel: Can Magnets Help?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the feasibility of using magnetic fields for space travel by polarizing the hull of a spaceship and generating an opposing energy field. The concept suggests that this would create a repulsive force similar to two magnets pushing away from each other. However, it is concluded that this method is fundamentally flawed, as the forces generated would be internal to the spacecraft and would not result in any external acceleration necessary for movement. The idea of using a time-varying magnetic field to induce an electric field is also dismissed for similar reasons.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of physics principles, particularly Newton's laws of motion
  • Familiarity with electromagnetic theory, including magnetic fields and electric fields
  • Knowledge of spacecraft design and propulsion systems
  • Concept of internal versus external forces in a closed system
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of Newton's laws of motion in the context of propulsion
  • Study electromagnetic theory, focusing on the relationship between magnetic and electric fields
  • Explore current spacecraft propulsion technologies, such as ion thrusters and plasma propulsion
  • Investigate the concept of external forces and their role in achieving acceleration in space travel
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, aerospace engineers, and anyone interested in the theoretical aspects of space travel and propulsion technologies.

Mistic
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Ok, I am not the kind of person who likes BIG words, so this is all going to be simple.

My question is this, what would happen in you polarized the haul of a spaceship say negitive(Doesn't really matter if its neg or pos), then generated an opposite field of energy behind. It would act like two magnites pushing away from each other right? If so, could this be used for space travel?
 
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Interesting idea but there is a major structual flaw in it. I'm not sure if you've taken an intro level physics class, but the only way to cause an acceleration of an object is to have an EXTERNAL force acting on it. If you have two collections of charge of the same polarity on board your ship in close proximity, yes, I fully agree that they will repel each other. Only problem is, they are internal to the ship system, and it will go nowhere. This is assuming that I used a second source of charge to have
generated an opposite field of energy behind
One could also create a magnetic field that changes in time at the back of the ship; like a big moving magnet or something, since this induces an electric field, but this idea has the same problems as the above mentioned one.
 

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