Unpacking the Controversial EmDrive: Explanations and Implications

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In summary, there has been recent news about the EmDrive, a controversial device that seems to create thrust in violation of physical laws. While some are skeptical about its potential, others are intrigued by its possibilities. However, no one has been able to provide a satisfactory explanation for how it works. Some suggest that there may be faulty experiments or unknown physical forces at play, while others believe it may be a result of fraud. Due to the controversial nature of the device, discussions about it are often discouraged.
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newjerseyrunner
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EmDrive
I've seen a lot in my news recently about it. Mostly written by people who obviously don't understand the physics (not that I do) but I'm curious about it. I'm always weary about weird research like this, but when three different experiments replicate the results it's something to notice I think.

As far as I've read, no one has come up with a satisfactory explanation yet, so what are the most likely explanations as to how thrust was created seemingly in violation of physical laws? So what do you all think is really going on? Faulty experiments / sensors, some known physical force we haven't figured out yet, or physics yet beyond our understanding?

I'm banking more on all of the experiments having a variable yet identified that's causing the experiments to be faulty, but it's a nice thought that we might be able to zoom around our solar system in months rather than years soon.
 
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Most have been a combination of:
-Faulty hypotheses/predictions.
-Faulty experiments/interpretation.
-Fraud.

In any case, we don't discuss crackpottery even to debunk it, so this thread is locked.
 

1. What is the EmDrive and why is it controversial?

The EmDrive is a proposed propulsion system that claims to produce thrust without the need for any propellant. It is controversial because it seems to contradict well-established laws of physics, specifically the conservation of momentum. This has led to skepticism and debate among scientists.

2. How does the EmDrive work?

The EmDrive uses microwaves to generate thrust by bouncing them around inside a specially shaped chamber. The proponents of the EmDrive claim that this creates a difference in radiation pressure, which results in a net thrust in one direction.

3. What explanations have been proposed for the EmDrive's apparent thrust?

There are several proposed explanations for the EmDrive's apparent thrust, including experimental error, electromagnetic interactions, and quantum vacuum fluctuations. Some scientists also suggest that the thrust may be due to a measurement error or a misinterpretation of data.

4. What are the potential implications of the EmDrive if it is proven to work?

If the EmDrive is proven to work and can generate thrust without propellant, it could have significant implications for space travel and transportation. It could potentially reduce the cost and time of space missions, as well as enable long-distance space travel that is currently not possible with traditional propulsion systems.

5. Is there any evidence that the EmDrive actually works?

While there have been several experimental studies claiming to have observed thrust from the EmDrive, the results have not been replicated consistently. The majority of the scientific community remains skeptical, and there is currently no conclusive evidence that the EmDrive actually works as claimed. Further research and testing are needed to determine its validity.

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