Does this technobabble of mine pass muster?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a speculative concept of a ship's drive mechanism that purportedly siphons momentum from surrounding atoms using quantum entanglement. Participants explore the plausibility of this idea in relation to established principles of propulsion, particularly in the context of sailing and solar sails.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes a drive mechanism that works by siphoning momentum from atoms using quantum entanglement, questioning its plausibility.
  • Another participant draws a parallel between this concept and the functioning of a sail, suggesting that a sail propels a boat by harnessing wind, which is grounded in classical physics.
  • A later reply provides an example of a solar sail, which uses photons from the sun to propel a ship, reinforcing the idea of utilizing external forces for movement.
  • One participant creatively describes the propulsion mechanism as being akin to a ship being pulled by invisible butterflies, emphasizing the imaginative aspect of the concept.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants exhibit a mix of agreement and disagreement, with some drawing connections to established principles of propulsion while others focus on the speculative nature of the original proposal. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the feasibility of the proposed drive mechanism.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of understanding of quantum entanglement, with some relying on popular science explanations. There is a lack of detailed technical discussion surrounding the mechanics of the proposed drive.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those exploring speculative technologies, concepts of propulsion in physics, and the intersection of science fiction with scientific principles.

cybernetichero
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If I said a ship's drive worked by "siphoning off" momentum from atoms in the environment around the ship that happen to be going our way using quantum entanglement would it pass willing suspension of disbelief? Bear in mind I have miniscule knowledge of what Quantum entanglement is beyond TV explanations by the likes of Neil DeGrasse Tyson or Brian Cox.
 
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Isnt that what a sail does for a boat?

The wind impinges upon the sail and thus the boat is propelled forward. This is all from classical principles.

Here's an example of a solar sail where photons from the sun impinge on it pushing the ship forward.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_sail
 
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Wow.
I just noticed the similarity of your avatars!
Great minds think a like?
 
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jedishrfu said:
Here's an example of a solar sail where photons from the sun impinge on it pushing the ship forward.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_sail
Oh dear I can see a wikiwalk happening tonight.
The way I see it is like the ship is pulled along by a million invisible butterflies individually tethered by invisible threads with the number, tethering ability and length of threads and thus how many butterflies it can reach to tether being determined by the engine.
 
BillTre said:
Wow.
I just noticed the similarity of your avatars!
Great minds think a like?

The human knows too much and must be eliminated. 🤖
 
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