/sci/ - Science & Math

[The Fagott (?) OP No.5582458]

Hey /sci/, I'm taking up basic math and physics again after being out of school for some time. A question I've asked myself for a long time though, and I can't answer with my limited knowledge is: Can thrust be made in vacuum, with the power of electricity? I'm thinking space crafts, they can't carry that much fuel to burn and have to use it very conservatively. Though solar panels can create electricity and heat people and give life to all equipment, I can't think of a way to use the electricity to propel the vehicle.

Is it impossible, really hard, of am I completely retarded for not knowing the answer?

Pic somewhat, unscientifically, related.

[Anonymous No.5582471]

>>5582458

a vacuum isn't empty. you can collect the lone particles that fly around, and accelerate them to transfer momentum onto your craft.

alternatively you can use the energy to generate matter and shoot that out the butthole as well.

[Schaiffe !zribfvVT8o No.5582472]

>>5582458

[Schaiffe !zribfvVT8o No.5582478]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrically_powered_spacecraft_propulsion

[Anonymous No.5582519]

>>5582458
>just heat the back side of the craft really hot, then the photons will push it along.

[The Fagott (?) OP No.5582633]

Wow, that's amazing, thanks people!

[Anonymous No.5582642]

>>5582458
(see: ion engine)