Coulomb's law theoretical hypothetical question

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a hypothetical scenario involving Coulomb's law and electrostatic forces, specifically examining whether a layer of cations could support an object (a Nerf ball) above the ground through repulsive forces. The context includes theoretical considerations of electrostatic levitation and the behavior of charged and uncharged objects in a vacuum environment.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes a scenario where two layers of cations are arranged in a vacuum, questioning if the top layer could hold an object above the ground using repulsive forces from the bottom layer.
  • Another participant suggests that the scenario is overly complicated, proposing that electrostatic levitation could be achieved without the need for a vacuum or magical elements, but notes the requirement for stability supports.
  • A participant expresses a desire to use electrostatics to create a shield-like effect to deflect bullets, referencing science fiction concepts.
  • Concerns are raised about the feasibility of using electrostatics to deflect a bullet, as bullets are uncharged and would not experience a force from electrostatic fields.
  • There is a discussion about the Nerf ball's ability to float, with some participants assuming it is uncharged and expressing doubt about its ability to remain suspended in the gas layer.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the feasibility of using electrostatics for levitation and bullet deflection, with no consensus reached on the effectiveness of the proposed methods or the behavior of uncharged objects in the described scenario.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the nature of the objects involved (charged vs. uncharged) and the conditions under which electrostatic forces operate, which remain unresolved.

Rhasz
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The Scenario:
Let's say one could have a lot of cations produced from a gas in a single plane contained in a 1 square foot area (like a fence around sheep). This plane of cations is over another one that is on the ground. So basically two layers of Cations in a tall hollow cube like container such that the top layer is not pushed above the initial height by the bottom layer through repelling forces (magically forced to not go above initial height). Also the inside of the hollow cube like container is a vacuum except the before mentioned cations.
Also magically, the bottom layer is not moving up or down and the ions in the top layer can only move down as a unit, i.e the whole plane of them.

The question:
Would the top layer of ions be able to hold an object off the ground (a Nerf ball) by using the repulsive force coming from the bottom layer or would it go through the top layer of cations because they are from a gas?
 
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Why so complicated? This is electrostatic levitation. You don't need vacuum, magic or whatever, charged conducting surfaces are enough.
There is one downside: you need supports at the side, or some active electronics keeping the arrangement stable.
 
mfb said:
Why so complicated? This is electrostatic levitation. You don't need vacuum, magic or whatever, charged conducting surfaces are enough.
There is one downside: you need supports at the side, or some active electronics keeping the arrangement stable.
Because I want to shoot it and have it deflect bullets like a shield in star wars or something similar.
 
Rhasz said:
Because I want to shoot it and have it deflect bullets like a shield in star wars or something similar.

You want to use electrostatics to deflect a bullet?
 
Drakkith said:
You want to use electrostatics to deflect a bullet?
Yes, like those wind tunnels used to practice skydiving except they are charged particles to work closer to the surface.
 
Rhasz said:
Yes, like those wind tunnels used to practice skydiving except they are charged particles to work closer to the surface.

Electrostatics won't deflect a bullet. The bullet isn't charged and won't experience a force.
 
But the nerf ball will be floating like the one in the original setup? I was assuming also the object was not charged.
 
Rhasz said:
But the nerf ball will be floating like the one in the original setup? I was assuming also the object was not charged.

I doubt it. It's uncharged so it would probably just fall through the gas.
 
Drakkith said:
I doubt it. It's uncharged so it would probably just fall through the gas.
Ok thanks
 

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