Impossible Materials for Sci-Fi Story: Ideas & Tests Needed

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the creation of a fictional material for a story that is scientifically impossible, specifically a golf ball-sized hemispherical hopping toy. Ideas proposed include a stable superposition material and frozen quantum foam, both of which defy current physical laws. Participants emphasize the need for materials that do not adhere to Newton's laws of motion, suggesting properties like liquid-like behavior while retaining shape. The goal is to explore scientifically magical materials that can be tested for their impossibility.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics concepts, particularly superposition.
  • Familiarity with Newton's laws of motion.
  • Basic knowledge of materials science and properties of matter.
  • Awareness of theoretical physics, including concepts like quantum foam.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of quantum superposition and its implications in material science.
  • Explore theoretical materials that defy Newtonian physics.
  • Investigate the concept of quantum foam and its potential applications.
  • Examine existing fictional materials in science fiction literature for inspiration.
USEFUL FOR

Writers, especially in the science fiction genre, physicists interested in theoretical materials, and anyone exploring the intersection of science and creative storytelling.

ktoz
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I'm in the process of fleshing out some ideas for a story and one part of the story centers around a golf ball sized hemispherical hopping toy. I want the toy to be magical in the sense that it is made from a material that is physically impossible in our universe. Whatever this material is I want it to actually be impossible. (with our current understandings) So things like neutron star stuff, black hole stuff, antimatter, quark crystals etc are ruled out because they exist.

One idea might be a material that is a gigantic, hoppy-toy shaped superposition, which is stable at all temperatures.

Another idea might be frozen quantum foam.

I'd be interested in getting some other ideas for impossible materials along with tests we could use to determine that they are not of this world. I'm not looking for elves and hobbits or wizards and sorcerers types of magic, but materials that would be scientifically magical.

Any ideas appreciated.
 
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at first blush any material that acted in opposition on N 1-3/ It would HAVE TO
 
denverdoc said:
at first blush any material that acted in opposition on N 1-3/ It would HAVE TO

What does that mean? Could you explain in layman's terms as I have no idea what "N 1-3/" is...
 
a ball that acts (and looks) like a liquid yet retains it's shape, you can put an object through it and that object (say finger) will show up on the other side without ever penetrating the ball. it retains enough attraction within itself that if you squeezed it in your hand it would pop out of the other side and yet if you hold it up to your fingers you can poke right through it sort of like a space warp you could hold.
 
ktoz said:
What does that mean? Could you explain in layman's terms as I have no idea what "N 1-3/" is...

any material that does not obey Newton's laws.
 
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light_bulb said:
...sorta like a space warp you could hold.

l like that idea thanks!
 
denverdoc said:
any material that does not obey Newton's laws.

Ah OK. Thanks.
 

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