Is this a possible idea for an antimatter rocket engine?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of using antimatter in a rocket engine, specifically exploring the idea of propelling a magnetic field to generate thrust from antimatter-matter annihilation reactions. The scope includes theoretical considerations and potential limitations of this idea.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes the idea of using a magnetic nozzle to propel a magnetic field generated by antimatter-matter reactions to produce thrust.
  • The same participant expresses uncertainty about the feasibility of this idea, questioning whether it violates physical laws or if the reactions are too intense to manage.
  • Another participant suggests that the initial question is valid and indicates that the concept has theoretical merit, although it may have been previously considered.
  • Several participants reference external resources, such as a Wikipedia article on antimatter rockets, to provide additional context or information.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the feasibility of the proposed idea, and there are multiple viewpoints regarding its theoretical validity and practical limitations.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include potential violations of physical laws, challenges in stabilizing antimatter in magnetic fields, and the intensity of reactions involved, which remain unresolved in the discussion.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in theoretical propulsion systems, antimatter research, or advanced rocket technologies may find this discussion relevant.

rmoh13
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Antimatter can be contained in magnetic fields; what if we could somehow "propel" that magnetic field by using a magnetic nozzle when the small antimatter-matter reactions/annihilation occurs which produces thrust? This seems like a really stupid idea, but can you tell me some limitations about this idea like whether or not it violates some laws of physics or if this reactions are too much to handle or if we can't "stabilize/hold" antimatter in a magnetic field. etc.? Thank you.

EDIT: This was a super stupid question, I should've just gone onto Wikipedia, my dumb question was answered!
 
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Not a dumb question -- you just thought of something that works (theoretically, in this case), but someone else already thought of. That's going to happen a lot to you, but at least it means you are thinking correctly/in the right direction. It's a lot better than thinking something that doesn't work!
 
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