Comment Fermi paradox (Score 2, Insightful) 65
That it is possible to be smart enough to breath, and so stupid that you can not see that this is a terrible idea, might be a possible reason for the fermi paradox.
That it is possible to be smart enough to breath, and so stupid that you can not see that this is a terrible idea, might be a possible reason for the fermi paradox.
What is probably a more correct way of putting it is to say that the article claims that 1KW energy can produce a force of 1.2mN. A force of 1.2 mN is equivalent of the force produced by a weight of 0.12 gram under formal gravity (9.81 m/s).
Given the force is 1.2mN/kW, and we were able to scale it, a 350kW power source could produce a force/pull that a weight of 40 gram under normal gravity etc.
Yes, that is a more correct way of putting it. The force the weight of 100kg would exercise.
Just to put the numbers in perspective. A force of 1.2mN/kW is equivalent of a force of 0.12 gram.
A Tesla SP85 has a maximum effect of 350KW. This would (in theory) produce a force of roughly 40 grams, the weight of 10 sugar cubes.
A Nuclear submarine is able to produce an effect of 100MW, giving a theoretical force of 10kg.
A medium nuclear power plant is producing roughly 1000MW, and a force of 100kg.
The original interview/discussion is available as an embedded video in this article: http://e24.no/digital/elon-musk/elon-musk-norge-har-en-fantastisk-fordel/23663856
Elon Musk starts talking about it 40 minutes into the video.
The herd instinct among economists makes sheep look like independent thinkers.