- #1
Hello_Jack
Hello. I just joined this wonderful community, so excuse me if I'm doing something wrong. I'm new to using forums.
Anyway, I had a question. SF usually features 'phasers' as weapons, but from what I hear it doesn't sound too realistic. I thought maybe lasers would be better weapons, say if you could get pistol sized lasers that could seriously harm another individual. So I was wondering what the logistics of such a weapon would be from the sciences point of view?
Like how powerful would the laser have to be? How practical would it be to use in medium sized distances, like the same distances that you usually see people using phasers on Star Trek? Can lasers even theoretically penetrate the skin in a decent amount of time and seriously harm your insides? Would something like a tin can or other metal be useful in reflecting the laser away and reducing its harm? Anything else I haven't even thought of to ask?
I greatly appreciate any help you could give. Again, if I'm doing something wrong, just let me know how I can do the right thing. :D
Anyway, I had a question. SF usually features 'phasers' as weapons, but from what I hear it doesn't sound too realistic. I thought maybe lasers would be better weapons, say if you could get pistol sized lasers that could seriously harm another individual. So I was wondering what the logistics of such a weapon would be from the sciences point of view?
Like how powerful would the laser have to be? How practical would it be to use in medium sized distances, like the same distances that you usually see people using phasers on Star Trek? Can lasers even theoretically penetrate the skin in a decent amount of time and seriously harm your insides? Would something like a tin can or other metal be useful in reflecting the laser away and reducing its harm? Anything else I haven't even thought of to ask?
I greatly appreciate any help you could give. Again, if I'm doing something wrong, just let me know how I can do the right thing. :D