Can Muons Propel Objects in Science Fiction?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Dreamcat
  • Start date Start date
AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the use of muons in a fictional context, specifically for propelling objects in a science fiction narrative. While muons can theoretically be used, their short lifespan and the complexity of generating them make them impractical for this purpose. Instead, using a particle beam directly is suggested as a more feasible option. Additionally, the conversation humorously proposes creating fictional particles, like "Meowons," to enhance the story's appeal. Ultimately, the focus is on balancing scientific accuracy with creative storytelling in fiction.
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.
 
Man, when the Devil comes a-knockin', he does not smell of sulphur and brimstone, he smells of sweet perfume and roses... Doing a bit of research for a short story. All I wanted was some examples of professions typical for jurors in a trial of the time and location of the story (1850s New Orleans - of which I am not very familiar, so I have my work cut out for me). ChatGPT delivered that very nicely, giving me a list of a dozen typical professions for the type of man that was eligible for...

Similar threads

Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
666
Replies
18
Views
5K
Replies
2
Views
812
Replies
13
Views
4K
Replies
2
Views
779
Back
Top