How do EMPs work and how can you make one?

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  • Thread starter Thread starter Maltaethirion
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    Electromagnetic Pulse
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the workings of electromagnetic pulses (EMPs) and inquiries into how one might construct an EMP. It includes theoretical explanations and practical considerations related to the phenomenon.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that EMPs operate based on the Compton effect and references their detection during the first H-bomb blast, noting the impact on power in distant towns.
  • Another participant describes the mechanism by which high-energy gamma rays knock electrons out of atoms, leading to a current induced by interaction with the Earth's magnetic field.
  • Concerns are raised about the destructive potential of EMPs on electrical appliances and infrastructure.
  • There is a request for more specific information on what aspects of EMPs the original poster is interested in.
  • One participant humorously references the wealth of the founders of a related technology, implying a connection to the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of understanding and interest in the construction of EMPs, but there is no consensus on how to create one or on the specifics of their operation.

Contextual Notes

Some claims about the mechanisms of EMPs rely on assumptions about atomic interactions and the effects of gamma rays, which may not be fully explored or agreed upon in the discussion.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals exploring the physics of electromagnetic phenomena, military technology, or those curious about the implications of EMPs on modern technology.

Maltaethirion
Does anyone know how emps work and how to construct one?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
jump a spark across a gap...

Perhaps you should give us more details of what exactly you want to know; or 'do a Google' on electromagnetic pulse.
 
The emp works on the compton effect. It was first detected in the first H-bomb blast. It knocked out power to some Hawainal towns hundreds of miles away from the blast. The way it works is the intence high energy gamma ray photons emmited from the bombs blast cause electrons to be knocked out of the orbits of low atomic number elements. This would happen in Oxygen and Nitrogen atoms in the atmosphere. This free rush of elecrons would interact with the Earth's magnetic field and induce a current, which would create a magnetic field. This electromagnetic pulse would then overload electrical appliances and elecric machines, such as cars. This overload would run down the line and fry wiers, semiconductors and transformers. Its a messed up weapon.
To construct and EMP, I wouldent know how to do that, but you would need a good rate of production of high energy gamma rays.
 
This site gives some pretty good information.
 
Adrian Baker said:
'do a Google' on electromagnetic pulse.

Heh, the two guys that started that are worth 50 billion dollars
 

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