Are there different kinds of crystals, or are they all the same? I may sound like scifi but has anyone tried to see if it might work. Looking for a cleaner way to get to the star. Do they need to use nuclear reaction to get there. This may sound like Star Trek but has anyone look into it? You need to think out side to box.
2007-09-19 11:25:05 · 4 answers · asked by quickfast 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
There are lots of types of crystals. A crystal is just a solid material where the atoms are particularly well ordered. A rocket engine might use crystals, but it would still need a gigantic energy source. (Even in StarTrek, the di-lithium crystals were just a way of controlling a matter-antimatter reaction.)
2007-09-19 11:35:43 · answer #1 · answered by cosmo 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Just how would a crystal be used in a space ship engine? Or are you just thinking of the Star Trek "dilithium crystals".
2007-09-19 19:12:57 · answer #2 · answered by campbelp2002 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi. Many crystals are piezoelectric meaning they generate electricity when deformed. I suppose a large enough crystal could power an ion drive. At least for a while.
2007-09-19 18:37:25 · answer #3 · answered by Cirric 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Why not?!?!?
We already use QUARTZ crystals in our watches (and other timepieces) - perhaps we just haven't found the right combination of elements and technology yet...
Or nobody has found a large enough deposit of Dilithium yet ;););)
2007-09-19 18:43:25 · answer #4 · answered by kr_toronto 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋