EMrocket Engine: Does it Violate Newton's Law?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the claims of an electromagnetic (EM) rocket engine developed in China, which purportedly provides propulsion without ejecting mass, raising questions about its implications for Newton's laws and the conservation of momentum in the context of Einstein's theories of relativity.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether Einstein's general relativity requires the conservation of momentum, suggesting it applies similarly to Newtonian physics.
  • Others argue that the claims about the EM rocket engine do not violate the rules of general or special relativity, but emphasize the need for a clearer understanding of how the engine operates.
  • Concerns are raised about the lack of peer-reviewed theories or reliable independent studies regarding the EM engine, with some participants expressing skepticism about the validity of the claims.
  • There is a suggestion that linking the EM drive to cold fusion is inappropriate and not conducive to serious discussion.
  • Some participants express a lack of consensus on whether the EM engine actually works, with references made to replication claims that have not been satisfactorily addressed.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally express disagreement regarding the validity of the EM rocket engine claims, with no consensus on its functionality or theoretical grounding. The discussion remains unresolved, with differing opinions on the implications for established physical laws.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the absence of peer-reviewed research and reliable independent studies, which affects the ability to engage in meaningful discussion about the engine's mechanics and theoretical implications.

duordi134
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Recently there has been much discussion about an EM rocket engine China has built which
clams to give propulsion without ejecting mass, violating Newtons conservation of momentum.

Does Einsteins General relativity equations require conservation of momentum?
Does this claim violate General or special relativity also?

Thanks

Duordi
 
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duordi134 said:
Recently there has been much discussion about an EM rocket engine China has built which
clams to give propulsion without ejecting mass, violating Newtons conservation of momentum.

Does Einsteins General relativity equations require conservation of momentum?
Does this claim violate General or special relativity also?

Thanks

Duordi
Please provide a ling to what you are discussing. Light is oscillating EM field, light propulsion is well known and non-controversial (though not very practical so far). Without a link, I have no idea if what you refer is speculative or just garbage.
 
Last edited:
duordi134 said:
Does Einsteins General relativity equations require conservation of momentum?

Conservation of momentum applies in GR just as in Newtonian physics.

Does this claim violate General or special relativity also?

No, it will still obey all of GR/SR rules. The key question is how does it work, which may or may not require quantum theories to explain it. There doesn't seem to be a consensus as to how it works at this time.
 
I don't think there can be meaningful discussion of this here. At present, there is no peer reviewed theory or reliable independent studies. It is not necessary to say there is definitely nothing here to be able to say this is well outside what can be discussed on physics forums.
 
Drakkith said:
The key question is how does it work, which may or may not require quantum theories to explain it. There doesn't seem to be a consensus as to how it works at this time.
There is no consensus that it works.

From the Wikipedia article - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EmDrive#New_Scientist_article - Shawyer submitted a theory paper to New Scientist, a weekly popular science magazine. That ain't the way to do it. :rolleyes:

Linking EmDrive with cold fusion is a non-starter. ?:)
 
Astronuc said:
There is no consensus that it works.

After re-reading the wiki article I'm inclined to agree. I just skimmed over the replication claims section the first time.
 
PAllen said:
I don't think there can be meaningful discussion of this here. At present, there is no peer reviewed theory or reliable independent studies. It is not necessary to say there is definitely nothing here to be able to say this is well outside what can be discussed on physics forums.

I didn't see your post until just now, but I'm inclined to agree. There's not enough data for us to discuss the details of the engine, and I already answered the specific questions the OP had. Thread locked.
 

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