How Do Z Pinches Generate High-Energy Electromagnetic Pulses?

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Z pinches are a method of generating high-energy electromagnetic pulses (EMPs) through the rapid compression of plasma, which can create significant electromagnetic fields. The discussion highlights that the energy required to produce a substantial EMP cannot be generated from a small power source, as depicted in movies like Ocean's 11, which misrepresents the physics involved. Increasing the electric current supplied to the z pinch can enhance the strength of the resulting EMP. Understanding the principles of electromagnetism and energy conservation is crucial for grasping how z pinches function. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the need for accurate scientific knowledge to comprehend the mechanics behind EMP generation.
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Electromagnitism

I was sitting around during science class today, and I got to wondering about electromagnetism, in particulary, how a pinch functions. If anyone would be able to explain how to get a high-level elctromagnetic pulse device to work, or atleast, the physics behind it, it would put an end to my wondering and mabey I can concentrate again in class.
Thanks

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Originally posted by Viper2838
I was sitting around during science class today, and I got to wondering about electromagnetism, in particulary, how a pinch functions.

A pinch?!

Bulls@$t, you were watching Ocean's 11 and wondering about electromagnetism. :wink:

If anyone would be able to explain how to get a high-level elctromagnetic pulse device to work, or atleast, the physics behind it, it would put an end to my wondering and mabey I can concentrate again in class.

Try reading this link:

http://www.aip.org/isns/reports/2001/033.html

An excerpt:

What's more, perhaps even the filmmakers themselves did not realize that their pinch pulls off the ultimate swindle. As portrayed in the movie, the pinch apparently violates the most fundamental principle of physics, the conservation of energy, which says that energy can be converted from one form to another, but never created out of thin air. Any van-sized electricity source, not just a pinch, says Quintenz, is just too small to store the energy required to produce a blackout-generating EMP.
 
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I was accually in class when the thought came, but truthfully, it was spurred by an off topic disscusion of the move:wink:. As for the powersource, that's not the problem in my mind, for that is always obtainable, if you know how to get it. The emp from the z pinch would become greater if an incressed flow of electricty was given to the machine, would it not?
 
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