Can a laser be effective in a sandstorm or through ash?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the effectiveness of lasers in adverse conditions such as sandstorms or ash clouds. Participants explore the theoretical implications of using lasers in these environments, particularly in relation to fictional representations of laser guns.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether a powerful enough laser could burn through sand or ash and work effectively, depending on the intended application.
  • One participant suggests that the concept of a laser gun prompts consideration of its effectiveness in poor weather conditions.
  • Another participant points out the challenges of discussing laser guns, noting that they do not exist in reality, which complicates the analysis.
  • A later reply emphasizes that the fictional nature of laser guns in movies makes it difficult to apply real physics to their use.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the feasibility of lasers in adverse conditions, with some focusing on theoretical applications while others highlight the fictional context of laser guns, leading to an unresolved discussion.

Contextual Notes

The discussion lacks specific definitions of effectiveness and does not address the physical properties of lasers in detail. Assumptions regarding the power of lasers and the nature of sand and ash are not fully explored.

Shark1j
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Could a laser be effective through ash or sand?

Could a powerful enough laser burn through sand or ash and work effectively?
 
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Shark1j said:
Could a laser be effective through ash or sand?

Could a powerful enough laser burn through sand or ash and work effectively?
depends on what kind of work you want it to do
 
Let's say laser gun or something like that. I see a lot of movies with laser guns and it got me thinking how effective the laser would be in poor weather.
 
Since a laser gun doesn't really exist, it's kind of hard to answer this.
 
Shark1j said:
Let's say laser gun or something like that. I see a lot of movies with laser guns
Movies are fiction and the laser guns in them aren't real, so there's no sensible way of using the laws of physics to analyze them.

This thread is closed, although threads about the physics of real lasers being used in real ways are welcome.
 

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