Can Commandos Bypass a Force Field with an EM Emitter in Sci-Fi?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of commandos bypassing a hypothetical electromagnetic (EM) force field surrounding a military base in a science fiction context. Participants explore various theoretical approaches, technologies, and concepts related to EM fields, force fields, and their implications for stealth and military tactics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests using a mobile EM emitter set to the same frequency as the base's force field to allow commandos to pass through, questioning its effectiveness.
  • Another participant humorously proposes a glass dome as an alternative force field, implying confusion for those unaware of its entrance.
  • Some participants argue that an EM field would not effectively keep out neutral matter unless it is strong enough to strip electrons from atoms.
  • There is a discussion about the ability of EM fields to stop charged particle beams, with some noting that magnetic fields can deflect ions.
  • One participant introduces the concept of gravito-photons and suggests that a Heim Force generator could create a force acting on approaching mass, though energy demands for mobile forces are noted as a challenge.
  • Another participant discusses using extra dimensions to circumvent force fields, proposing a method involving entangled particles.
  • Several participants reflect on the nature of science fiction writing, with some emphasizing the importance of grounding stories in known science while others acknowledge the tendency to create fictional concepts.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on the effectiveness of EM fields and force fields, with no consensus reached on the best approach for commandos to bypass such defenses. The discussion includes both serious technical considerations and humorous, speculative ideas.

Contextual Notes

Some claims about the properties of EM fields and force fields remain speculative, with participants acknowledging limitations in their understanding of physics. The discussion also touches on the balance between scientific accuracy and creative freedom in science fiction writing.

Who May Find This Useful

Writers of science fiction, enthusiasts of speculative technology, and those interested in the intersection of science and creative storytelling may find this discussion relevant.

  • #31
drcathyc said:
Zoobyshoe: Any fiction writing must be good writing first, which means good story telling. But I think that good s.f. needs to keep its facts straight.
All you need to do is present whatever technology you please as a fait accompli and simply obviate any need to explain how it came to be. It will be successful if it fits in with the texture and ambiance of the whole. The average reader or movie goer isn't a physicist and won't even appreciate it if your technology is all a smooth extention of today's science. They already don't know how their computers, and microwaves and televisions work. They want good characters in good plot situations. If your story is bad, no one will care that you worked out a really plausible force field based on conventional EM fields.
 

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