Science Says Star Wars Blows Up Better Than Star Trek
- Thread starter Andy Chalk
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Fusion and fission cells - while still theoretical - would be capable of a tremendous energy output. And yes, I know the principle behind how al ightsabre would be made...Abedeus said:
A better method would be to construct it as forming an arc of electricity - when you see lightning, it's not electricity in the same sense as a spark but is actually plasma - and generating a constant 20,000 volts or thereabouts (The voltage to cause plasmification) isn't beyond the realm of possibility for a fusion power generator.
The real doubt is whether a small enough one could be made... Hmm.
But... a lightning wouldn't arc onto you if two lightsabers crossed? Two plasma swords would react like lightsabers - would collide, since ceramic can't be cut by plasma.Niccolo said:
I still like energy, as in heat, over energy as in electricity more. And like poster above noticed, it would be easier to color a lightsaber made from ceramic and plasma.
As usual, science fiction offers a solution:
The Death Star had some kind of widget in its core/construction/snack machines/whatever that caused that superheated ring when it blew up. Ditto Praxis, which had an atmosphere made of oh, say Klingon farts, which have the same effect.
There doesn't need to be a factual solution for either in either film, especially since both are fantasy. I mean, come ON.
Plus, it's essentially the same special effect, created by computers, which were created by science. So there's your scientific explanation.
The Death Star had some kind of widget in its core/construction/snack machines/whatever that caused that superheated ring when it blew up. Ditto Praxis, which had an atmosphere made of oh, say Klingon farts, which have the same effect.
There doesn't need to be a factual solution for either in either film, especially since both are fantasy. I mean, come ON.
Plus, it's essentially the same special effect, created by computers, which were created by science. So there's your scientific explanation.
Star Wars was out first, but the ring around the Death Star explosion was added in a rerelease of the original trilogy in 97, several years after Star Trek VI.MajoraPersona said:
Hmm... Lightning may arc, yes - but a magnetic field would be completely necessary on either version to contain the plasma, and this would likely stop the arcing.Abedeus said:
However... as to ceramic not being cut by plasma, you might have a small flaw there. The most common plasma seen by people is oxygen plasma - which comes in at several thousand degrees (Fahrenheit or Celsius, take your pick - it's still goddamned hot) and, well, it won't cut ceramic - it'll just make it melt or vaporise depending on the ceramic used.
Also... ceramics are known for being rather fragile. Even a steel-reinforced one would crack along the ceramic spaces and shatter.
The lightsabre version I was talking about was essentially a scaled-up version of a plasma-cutter. The spark between the electrodes of the cutter keeps the plasma tightly corraled, since plasma is charged and thus attracted to electricity; on a scaled up version a magnetic field would be necessary to avoid all the uncomfortable arcing.
However, it'd be less likely to shatter in your hands and vaporise either the only thing containing the plasma or you.
Ah, thanks. I avoided the 'digitally remastered' versions when I could, as my dad bought the original original trilogy when it was released just before those edited versions. A bit annoying how they all had a George Lucas interview before the movie itself, but w/e.theSovietConnection said:
I once saw parts of the rereleases. Didn't like them so much.
Also, I finally re-read the quoted text properly. Hurray for not paying attention.