What would be impossible to build and why?

In summary, bridges are made the way they are because they are the cheapest way to achieve a certain goal. Guns are made out of metal because that is the only material strong enough, and bridges can be made in an infinite number of configurations.
  • #1
monty28
3
0
why are guns metal? why are bridges made the way they are? why do we not make double decker lorries? this is my thinking... you follow?
 
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  • #2
Not really...
 
  • #3
ok... what about - what would you like to make but cant?
 
  • #4
Certain people in my life go away? LOL
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No seriously, things are put together the way they are for a number of reasons. Sometimes it's economics. Sometimes it's safety. Sometimes it's convenience. Sometimes it's simply because there is only one way to put something together and still have it work or stay in once piece due to limitations in materials used. As we come up with new materials, things change.
 
  • #5
Most things are built the way they are because that is the cheapest way of achieving the customer specification.

What purpose would double decker lorries serve, except to reduce the amount of things you can carry on one? Common sense is usually a significant driver in why things are built the way they are. Why give a lorry two decks when it performs its function better with one?
 
  • #6
I must point out two exceptions to that, Brewski, although both are special-purpose instances. Flatbed semi container trucks could be considered 'double-decker', since they usually carry one container on top of another. That's a bit of a stretch, but acceptable. The other is auto transports, such as those that deliver from the factory to the dealerships. Those have two decks so as to double the number of cars that can fit on them.

Monty, guns are steel because until very recently that was the only material strong enough. They now have some that are made almost exclusively of various plastics. As far as I know, though, they still need a steel sleeve in the barrel to bite into the bullet for ballistic spin.
 
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  • #7
monty28 said:
why are guns metal? why are bridges made the way they are? why do we not make double decker lorries? this is my thinking... you follow?

It's impossible to build a 100% efficient machine,

You can't have a thermodynamic heat engine that is more efficient than the idealized Carnot cycle,

You can't make Gold out of Lead,

You can't close Pandora's Box once it's open...

However:

You CAN make a gun out of only ceramics,
EDIT: Well, 95% ceramics anyway

You CAN make bridges in an infinite number of configurations, just try and number how many different kinds there are,

You CAN make a double decker anything, but you CAN'T overcome cornering forces, center of gravity, or low bridges...
 
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Related to What would be impossible to build and why?

1. What is the reason that it is impossible to build a perpetual motion machine?

A perpetual motion machine is a hypothetical machine that can run indefinitely without any external energy source. This goes against the laws of thermodynamics, specifically the law of conservation of energy which states that energy cannot be created or destroyed. Therefore, it is impossible to build a perpetual motion machine as it would defy the fundamental laws of physics.

2. Why is it not possible to build a time machine?

Time travel is a popular concept in science fiction, but it is currently not possible to build a time machine. This is because time travel would require the manipulation of the past, present, and future, which goes against the principle of causality. Additionally, time travel would also require the ability to travel faster than the speed of light, which is currently not possible according to Einstein's theory of relativity.

3. Can we ever build a machine that can teleport objects?

While teleportation is a common theme in science fiction, it is not possible to build a machine that can teleport objects as it would require the instantaneous transfer of matter from one location to another. This would also violate the laws of thermodynamics and would require an immense amount of energy, making it currently impossible to achieve.

4. Why is it not possible to build a flying car?

While the idea of a flying car may seem like a feasible invention, it is currently not possible to build one. This is because flying cars would require a significant amount of energy to stay airborne, as well as complex navigation systems to avoid collisions. Additionally, the infrastructure and regulations for flying cars do not currently exist, making it an impossible feat to achieve.

5. Is it possible to build a machine that can create matter?

The concept of creating matter from nothing goes against the law of conservation of mass, which states that matter cannot be created or destroyed. Therefore, it is currently not possible to build a machine that can create matter. However, scientists are able to convert matter into energy through nuclear reactions, but this process requires a large amount of energy and is not a means of creating matter from nothing.

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