Death by light saber - YouTube video

AI Thread Summary
A YouTube video discussing the science behind lightsabers suggests that being struck by one could lead to an instant and painless death, a claim that lacks scientific rigor. The discussion critiques the video's assumptions, arguing that the lightsaber's cutting edge is extremely sharp and that its glow results from energy released during molecular separation. It also mentions the conservation of energy, noting that a lightsaber would draw energy from its surroundings, making the environment feel colder. The conversation shifts to the feasibility of containing plasma in a sword-like shape and the immense power required to do so. Additionally, a fictional concept of a molecular thin cord used as a weapon is introduced, likening it to a booby trap, while referencing spiders' use of thin threads for capturing prey. The thread concludes with a light-hearted mention of a connection to the "Resident Evil" franchise.
scottdave
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I came across this YouTube video describing some of the "science" behind light sabers, and what it would be like to be hit with one. I thought it was worth sharing.
 
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I forgot to add tags. Is there a way to do that after posting?
 
scottdave said:
I came across this YouTube video describing
Takes the fun out of to say the least. if one can say being wacked by a light saber is fun.
 
scottdave said:
I forgot to add tags. Is there a way to do that after posting?
Next to "Tags," don't you see a "Add Tags" link?
 
DrClaude said:
Next to "Tags," don't you see a "Add Tags" link?
Thanks, I found it.
 
I think "worse" should be changed to "dramatic". In the video it sounds like light saber hits would result in an instant and painless death depending on where you got hit. Compared to being cut in half by a broad sword.
 
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Come on, this is not really scientific in the same way as trying to build a car or plane out of bricks and clay.
 
I think his assumptions at 1:15 and 1:30 are wrong. The light saber has an extremely sharp cutting cutting edge. The glowing plasma is molecules that have been cut into smaller pieces. The glow and cauterizing is just from energy released by the ions as they recombine.

Also by conservation of energy the light saber draws energy out of the surroundings. The rest of the room would feel colder in direct proportion to the energy needed to separate molecules at the edge of the blade.
 
How do you constrain plasma into a sword-like shape like ICRT does and generate enough power like a nuclear sub with a handle?the handle itself is the most powerful object in the universe alone, even more powerful than Death Star considering its size.
 
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Don't know about light sabres but did come across a tale many years ago in which the protagonist used a molecular thin cord as a weapon.
The idea was to fix it across doorway etc, so that when the "baddies' came in it would slice them to bits. Had to have special gloves to handle it though! Neat idea for a booby trap! would have to remember to take it down though.
 
  • #11
Spiders have been laying thin threads across access paths for ages, but the thread always seems to break when a large animal comes lumbering through.
Out of necessity for capturing prey, they instead opted for the next best, a web, and catch small insects.
 
  • #12
profbuxton said:
Don't know about light sabres but did come across a tale many years ago in which the protagonist used a molecular thin cord as a weapon.
The idea was to fix it across doorway etc, so that when the "baddies' came in it would slice them to bits. Had to have special gloves to handle it though! Neat idea for a booby trap! would have to remember to take it down though.
Hmm, perhaps you have not seen Resident Evil . . . ;)
 

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