Eliminating or slowing down inertia with waves?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of using waves to influence the motion of objects, specifically exploring whether destructive waves could be employed to slow down a moving object by interacting with its energy. The scope includes theoretical considerations and speculative applications related to motion and energy in physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that since motion has energy and energy can be in the form of waves, it might be possible to use destructive waves to slow down a moving object.
  • Another participant challenges the idea by stating that kinetic energy is the energy of motion, not waves, questioning the initial premise.
  • A different participant argues against the notion that a moving object has a "wave" through the air, suggesting that while it may create air waves, it does not move in a wavelike manner.
  • One participant introduces the concept of drag as a natural phenomenon that already slows down moving objects, indicating that this is a well-studied area in aerodynamics and boating.
  • Another participant mentions the potential for standing waves to complicate the maneuvering of boats near docks, suggesting a practical application of wave interactions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationship between motion and waves, with no consensus reached on the feasibility of using destructive waves to slow down a moving object. Some participants agree on the existence of drag as a means of slowing motion, while others contest the initial wave-based proposal.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully explored the assumptions behind the wave-energy relationship, and the discussion includes various interpretations of how waves interact with motion. The concept of drag is acknowledged but not fully integrated into the wave-based argument.

avolaster
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so follow me on this one. motion has energy ... energy is in the form of waves ... correct? there are such things as destructive waves. so what if you found the exact wave of a moving object and sent destructive waves at it. could you at least slow it down? perhaps by using the air around the object... idk be creative... is it possible?
 
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avolaster said:
so follow me on this one. motion has energy ... energy is in the form of waves ... correct? there are such things as destructive waves. so what if you found the exact wave of a moving object and sent destructive waves at it. could you at least slow it down? perhaps by using the air around the object... idk be creative... is it possible?

What do you mean "energy is in the form of waves"? The energy of motion is kinetic energy, not some electromagnetic wave.
 
avolaster said:
so follow me on this one. motion has energy ... energy is in the form of waves ... correct? there are such things as destructive waves. so what if you found the exact wave of a moving object and sent destructive waves at it. could you at least slow it down? perhaps by using the air around the object... idk be creative... is it possible?

I don't believe so. I don't think that a moving object has a "wave" through the air. It may create air waves due to the motion, but it itself isn't moving in a wavelink fashion of anything.

The only thing I can think of is a blast wave from a bomb. But I think that is an entirely different subject than what you are talking about.
 
Nature already has that covered its called drag (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drag_(physics)) and yes you can change it in many ways there is countless hours spent doing so in aerodynamics and boating.

Things like standing waves between boats and solid wall docks for example can make a nightmare trying to bring them in along side using there bow thrusters.
 
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