Can Muons Propel Objects in Science Fiction?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Dreamcat
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

This discussion centers on the fictional use of muons as a means of propulsion in a science fiction narrative. The consensus is that while muons can theoretically be accelerated using a particle accelerator, their short lifespan and difficulty of production make them impractical for propelling objects. Instead, the suggestion is made to utilize a particle beam directly or create fictional concepts like "Meowons" for storytelling purposes. The conversation emphasizes the importance of scientific accuracy in fiction while allowing for creative liberties.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of particle physics, specifically muons and their properties.
  • Familiarity with particle accelerators and their functionality.
  • Knowledge of subatomic particles and their interactions.
  • Basic principles of science fiction writing and world-building.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the capabilities and limitations of particle accelerators, focusing on muon production.
  • Explore the concept of particle beams and their applications in both science and fiction.
  • Investigate creative storytelling techniques in science fiction that blend scientific concepts with imaginative elements.
  • Learn about the properties and behaviors of neutrinos and their role in physics.
USEFUL FOR

Writers, particularly those in the science fiction genre, physicists, and anyone interested in the intersection of science and creative storytelling.

Dreamcat
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
I am a musician, show producer and writer. I have always had a great interest in physics and have tried to do home study on subjects relating to it. I am writing a new book and was thinking about one of my characters using muons to propel an object or an energy wave towards someone to harm or destroy them. Bear in mind, this is a FICTION book and not a wish of mine to truly see. I just wanted to make sure my own physics was sound enough to intelligently utilize this in a science fiction manner. It does not have to be a proven fact that this can be done right now but in a science fiction projected way for FICTION. Also, I just want to increase my knowledge of this wonderful science!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
To "push" any subatomic particle to harmful speeds you will need a particle accelerator. Once you have one I'm not sure it matters WHAT subatomic particle you use, they're all deadly if you get them going fast enough.

Using them to push something other than themselves however does not seem like the best idea. Just use a particle beam directly.
 
Muons are hard to make and have a short lifetime.
Why use a real particle with undesirable properties and try and shoehorn it in? Why not make up what you want? Call it the "Dreamcat Effect" and be done with it.
 
It's better to use Meowons. Your book will sell more if it involves tiny cats pushing your spaceship around. In terms of scientific accuracy, it's about the same.
 
Dreamcat said:
I am a musician, show producer and writer. I have always had a great interest in physics and have tried to do home study on subjects relating to it. I am writing a new book and was thinking about one of my characters using muons to propel an object or an energy wave towards someone to harm or destroy them. Bear in mind, this is a FICTION book and not a wish of mine to truly see. I just wanted to make sure my own physics was sound enough to intelligently utilize this in a science fiction manner. It does not have to be a proven fact that this can be done right now but in a science fiction projected way for FICTION. Also, I just want to increase my knowledge of this wonderful science!
2012 is a great film.
The reason the world is ending is because neutrinos emitted from the sun have “mutated” and are heating up the earths core destabilizing the crust.
Neutrinos do not interact with other particles (readily) with and only have a very small mass so do not really do much let alone heat up the earths core.
Mutation happens to DNA & RNA, molecules NOT particles.

So ,the plot is preposterous but the film was still great.

Hydrogen is abundant, your gun extracts moisture from the air, strips the Hydrogen from water and your nano accelerator beam fires a proton bunch at your target.
 
I couple of days ago, I watched a sci-fi animation short film titled Salya The First AGI which was introduced to me by my friend. It was more scientific that most of the scifi movies I've ever seen and at the same time more surreal than most surreal movies I've watched. Something like a combination of Matrix , Aladedin and Salvatore Dali paintings. It bring this question to my mind that whether AI can find new physical laws or change the existing laws of physic? It sounds so ambitions but...

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
5K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
4K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K