Planetary Electromagnetic Field

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between planetary rotation and electromagnetic fields, particularly focusing on whether an external magnetic field could be used to increase the rotation speed of a planet like Venus. Theoretical implications regarding the Earth's magnetic field and its protective role against cosmic radiation are also explored.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant theorizes that the Earth's magnetic field protects it from cosmic radiation and suggests that the lack of a strong magnetic field on Mars and Venus contributes to their atmospheric differences.
  • The same participant questions whether a sufficiently powerful external magnetic field could hypothetically be used to increase the rotation speed of Venus, potentially leading to a shorter day length.
  • Another participant confirms that a conductive object can be made to spin in a rotating magnetic field, referencing induction motors as an example.
  • This participant also points out that while the Earth's magnetic field protects against some charged particles, many other particles do not require this protection for survival.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the feasibility of using magnetic fields to alter planetary rotation, with some supporting the idea while others focus on clarifying the role of the Earth's magnetic field. No consensus is reached on the primary question of the thread.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the effects of magnetic fields on planetary rotation and the protective role of magnetic fields against cosmic radiation, which remain unresolved and depend on further exploration of these concepts.

bodykey
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First of all I'm not sure where in the world this topic would fit at, so I put it in Electrical Engineering because my assumption is that electrical engineers may have the answers for this question more so than anyone else, but mods, if you feel this thread would be better off in a different location then please move it.
Ok, so I've been racking my brain on a few things lately, my co-workers have been going back and forth on different topics here and there (last time it was about general relativity, this time it's about planetary rotation in regards to electromagnetic fields).

Here's the thing. It's theorized that the Earth's magnetic field is what protects the Earth from cosmic radiation and destructive particles emitted from the sun. It is therefore theorized that a contributing factor to the planets Mars and Venus having drastically different atmospheres is also due to the lack of a strong magnetic field to prevent cosmic rays from stripping away their atmosphere. Mars has a pretty screwed up magnetic field that I'm pretty sure can't be repaired, however, Venus' magnetic field could be corrected only if it were to spin faster due to its iron core.SO, here's my question:

Could you hypothetically cause a metal ball to spin or rotate more rapidly by utilizing an outside magnetic field? Like an oscillating magnetic 'burst' to twist or push the sphere in a specific direction? I'm not sure that I'm explaining this properly, but I've seen several other theories like smashing asteroids into venus to make it rotate faster, but I'm wondering, could by technical theoretical standards a large enough magnetic field actually be utilized, if enough power and energy were produced, to slowly rotate the planet eventually to create a 24 hour day instead of a 116 day 'earth day'?

Again, not sure if this is the right spot or not, but I'm curious to know if something like that would even be possible on a lower scale.
 
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Oh awesome, thank you DEvens!
 
bodykey said:
Could you hypothetically cause a metal ball to spin or rotate more rapidly by utilizing an outside magnetic field?
Yes. You can drag a conductive object by placing it in a rotating magnetic field.
That is how induction motors work. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Induction_motor

The Earth's magnetic field only protects the surface from some charged particles, mainly protons.
Most other particles collide with the atmosphere or reach the surface. We do not need the Earth's magnetic field to survive.
 
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