Eliminating or slowing down inertia with waves?

In summary, the conversation discusses the idea of using destructive waves to slow down a moving object. However, the concept of energy being in the form of waves is questioned and it is suggested that drag is a more effective way to slow down an object. The possibility of using standing waves to control the movement of boats is also mentioned.
  • #1
avolaster
13
0
so follow me on this one. motion has energy ... energy is in the form of waves ... correct? there are such things as destructive waves. so what if you found the exact wave of a moving object and sent destructive waves at it. could you at least slow it down? perhaps by using the air around the object... idk be creative... is it possible?
 
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  • #2
avolaster said:
so follow me on this one. motion has energy ... energy is in the form of waves ... correct? there are such things as destructive waves. so what if you found the exact wave of a moving object and sent destructive waves at it. could you at least slow it down? perhaps by using the air around the object... idk be creative... is it possible?

What do you mean "energy is in the form of waves"? The energy of motion is kinetic energy, not some electromagnetic wave.
 
  • #3
avolaster said:
so follow me on this one. motion has energy ... energy is in the form of waves ... correct? there are such things as destructive waves. so what if you found the exact wave of a moving object and sent destructive waves at it. could you at least slow it down? perhaps by using the air around the object... idk be creative... is it possible?

I don't believe so. I don't think that a moving object has a "wave" through the air. It may create air waves due to the motion, but it itself isn't moving in a wavelink fashion of anything.

The only thing I can think of is a blast wave from a bomb. But I think that is an entirely different subject than what you are talking about.
 
  • #4
Nature already has that covered its called drag (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drag_(physics)) and yes you can change it in many ways there is countless hours spent doing so in aerodynamics and boating.

Things like standing waves between boats and solid wall docks for example can make a nightmare trying to bring them in along side using there bow thrusters.
 
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  • #5


I can say that while this idea is creative, it is not scientifically accurate. Inertia is not a physical force that can be slowed down or eliminated with waves. It is a property of matter that describes an object's resistance to changes in its state of motion. In other words, an object in motion will continue to move at a constant speed and direction unless acted upon by an external force.

Waves, on the other hand, are a form of energy that can be transmitted through a medium, such as air or water. Destructive waves, while they can cause disturbances in the medium, do not have the ability to directly affect the motion of an object. Additionally, finding the exact wave of a moving object would be nearly impossible, as there are countless factors that contribute to an object's motion.

In summary, while it is always encouraged to think creatively and explore new ideas, it is important to also consider the scientific principles and laws that govern our world. In this case, using waves to eliminate or slow down inertia is not a viable solution.
 

FAQ: Eliminating or slowing down inertia with waves?

How do waves eliminate or slow down inertia?

Waves do not directly eliminate or slow down inertia. Inertia is a property of matter that causes objects to resist changes in their motion. However, waves can indirectly affect inertia by transferring energy to objects, which can then change their motion.

Can all types of waves eliminate or slow down inertia?

No, not all types of waves can eliminate or slow down inertia. Only mechanical waves, such as sound waves and ocean waves, have the ability to transfer energy to objects and affect their inertia. Electromagnetic waves, like light and radio waves, do not have this effect.

How does the amplitude of a wave affect inertia?

The amplitude of a wave, which is the height of the wave, determines the amount of energy it carries. The higher the amplitude, the more energy the wave can transfer to objects, potentially affecting their inertia. However, the effect of a wave on inertia also depends on the mass and velocity of the object.

Can waves completely eliminate inertia?

No, waves cannot completely eliminate inertia. Inertia is a fundamental property of matter and cannot be fully eliminated. However, waves can transfer enough energy to objects to significantly slow down their motion and reduce their inertia.

Are there any practical applications of using waves to eliminate or slow down inertia?

Yes, there are several practical applications of using waves to affect inertia. One example is in earthquake engineering, where seismic waves can be used to reduce the inertia of buildings and prevent them from collapsing during earthquakes. Another example is in medical imaging, where ultrasound waves can be used to slow down the motion of organs and improve the accuracy of images.

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