Surfing with electromagnetic waves

In summary, EM waves can be used to accelerate a charged object, but you do not need to charge the whole object.
  • #1
HomogenousCow
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Let's say I have some source that generates a spherical wave that propagates outwards at the speed of light, and I have a vehicle that is charged.
The wave will accelerate my vehicle periodically and eventually bring it to great speeds.
Does this work?
 
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  • #2
Spherical wave of what?
Electromagnetic waves are transversal - the main acceleration of your charged object would be sidewards, and changing its direction with the frequency of the electromagnetic wave.
The charged object would absorb or reflect some fraction of the wave, which gives an effective acceleration in the direction of the beam - but you do not need to charge the whole object, everything non-transparent will work. Solar sails use this concept.
 
  • #3
hmm right.
Actually I'm a bit confused, could someone correct me if I'm wrong.
As i understand it, EM waves are just solutions to maxwells equations and they themselves interact with particles, transferring momentum in the form of a force?
And by the way, why do EM waves reflect off of surfaces? That has always bothered me.Gravity certainly does not reflect off of things, why electromagnetic waves?
 
  • #4
As i understand it, EM waves are just solutions to maxwells equations

and they themselves interact with particles, transferring momentum in the form of a force?
They can do that.

And by the way, why do EM waves reflect off of surfaces?
As quantum mechanical description: Electrons (and sometimes other particles) can absorb the energy and re-emit it.
As classical description for metals: EM waves can lead to oscillations of electrons in the surface, those emit electromagnetic waves.

You cannot compare electromagnetic waves to gravity in that way. I think gravitational waves can be scattered in material - but gravity is so weak, we cannot even detect the waves themself with current experiments (might change in 2-3 years), so this is just a theoretic thing.
Gravity (as force between matter) does not reflect, and neither do electrostatic forces (as forces between charges)
 
  • #5
I was hoping for a more elegant classical explanation..but I guess that makes sense.
So basically classical Electrodynamics is not enough to explain optics?
 
  • #6
It cannot explain atoms or solid objects without effective theories (like a refraction index and so on). As soon as you want to understand that on a microscopic level, you need quantum mechanics.
 

FAQ: Surfing with electromagnetic waves

How do electromagnetic waves interact with water when surfing?

Electromagnetic waves, specifically radio waves, do not directly interact with water in the same way that sound waves do. However, when electromagnetic waves come into contact with water molecules, they can induce small vibrations in the molecules which can then create heat. This heat can affect the temperature of the water and potentially impact the surfing conditions.

Can electromagnetic waves be used to predict surf conditions?

Yes, electromagnetic waves can be used to measure various parameters such as wind speed and direction, wave height and direction, and water temperature. This data can then be used to forecast surf conditions and help surfers plan their trips.

Are there any risks to surfing with electromagnetic waves?

The main risk associated with surfing with electromagnetic waves is the potential for interference with other electronic devices, such as communication and navigation systems. Additionally, exposure to high levels of electromagnetic radiation can have negative health effects, so it is important to use caution and follow safety guidelines when surfing with electromagnetic waves.

How does the use of electromagnetic waves in surfing impact the environment?

The use of electromagnetic waves in surfing does not have a significant impact on the environment. However, as with any technology, there is potential for pollution from the production and disposal of devices that use electromagnetic waves. It is important to properly dispose of electronic devices to minimize their impact on the environment.

Can electromagnetic waves be used to improve surfing performance?

While electromagnetic waves can be used to measure surf conditions and help surfers plan their trips, there is currently no evidence to suggest that they can directly improve surfing performance. However, as technology continues to advance, there may be potential for the use of electromagnetic waves in developing new surfboards or other equipment that could enhance surfing abilities.

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