A Challenge

[tsturm1967]

I propose the following challenge: let's build a fortress.

Would it be possible to create a wall using the laws of nature so as to make "breaking it" not even an option?

 

I'd guess it'd be a safe bet on kickstarter for a nice price: one million for anyone who proves is is not possible - or for an idea to make it

possible. Would be interesting to find out what's on the other side of that wall, once its cut off from the universe ;-)

 

Kind regards,

Thomas

[Daecon]

Okay, 1) Why do you think it wouldn't be possible? And 2) Cut off from the Universe? What are you talking about?

[John Cuthber]

I propose the following challenge: let's build a fortress.

Would it be possible to create a wall using the laws of nature so as to make "breaking it" not even an option?

 

I'd guess it'd be a safe bet on kickstarter for a nice price: one million for anyone who proves is is not possible - or for an idea to make it

possible. Would be interesting to find out what's on the other side of that wall, once its cut off from the universe ;-)

 

Kind regards,

Thomas

I think you just lost a million. It's hard to be certain because the problem is poorly specified.

Anything inside the event horizon of a black hole is "cut off" from the rest of the universe, but it is still part of the universe.

[J.C.MacSwell]

I think you just lost a million. It's hard to be certain because the problem is poorly specified.

Anything inside the event horizon of a black hole is "cut off" from the rest of the universe, but it is still part of the universe.

"If you build it...they will not come back"

[tsturm1967]

A) I am not betting - I would not "loose" a million either way: either there is a way to build an impenetrable wall: in which case there would be something like a perfect fortress. Interesting. Or someone comes up with some proof that there will never be such a thing. Also interesting. Either fact could make you more than 1 million.

B) Yes, but anything in a black hole would not be in need of protection. I suppose you could arrange black holes so their event horizons touch - and hide behind that wall. Just whether such a "wall" would be stable in itself...

 

@Daecon: you see, if something got though it, it wouldn't be a good wall. If nothing gets through it, you can build a container where "inside" wouldn't actually interact with outside in any way shape or form. Or rather - my requirement is only that "outside" can not interact with "inside".

"Why do you think it wouldn't be possible?" I don't. I'd be surprised, though, nonetheless. Just thought It'd be a nice thought experiment. I do not think it is poorly specified either.

 

Can there be a barrier that can not be crossed nor destroyed ?

 

If you think B gets close....well the close-packing of black holes isn't going to be very stable - hurl any kind of heavy object at it, an some of the black holes would move - creating a gap in the wall.

If it was that easy, I wouldn't have bothered..

Edited March 6, 2016 by tsturm1967

[John Cuthber]

"I am not betting - I would not "loose" a million either way: either there is a way to build an impenetrable wall: in which case there would be something like a perfect fortress. Interesting. Or someone comes up with some proof that there will never be such a thing. Also interesting. Either fact could make you more than 1 million."

The "fact" is widely known.

How do you propose to make a million form it?

If you can't then you just lost the million you had talked about making.

[Phi for All]

!

Moderator Note

HEY! This thread is in the Physics section, so it better start making some sense REAL SOON. Please focus on clarity and understanding, people. No need to go offtopic by responding to this note.

[Endy0816]

Wall? I thought the construction order was for an uncrossable moat...

[tsturm1967]

I am sorry. I did not mean to upset anyone. I did get the answers I deserved though because it is a rather silly notion - an uncrossable moat, unbreakable barrier: Whatever. The point is, that there wasn't a "construction order": this does not mean the problem was poorly specified. If you read my first post, you already have the solution, though. Having a barrier in any shape or form that is "uncrossable" by principle simply amounts to asking "could there be a place in the universe that is completely unreachable?" - even black holes "evaporate" in time and thus exchange radiation with their surroundings. It is not uncommon for them to collide - enabling us to directly measure gravitational waves. Any effect on one side of the "barrier" must have a cause on the other side - and vice versa. Whatever your assumptions on an "inside" of a black hole: it is clearly affected by its surroundings: thus, the event horizon does not qualify as an impenetrable border. For my part, I came to the conclusion that such a barrier is theoretically impossible as it would lead to consequences which would simply violate the conservation of energy.This was just not the first notion I had. First think, then write. Sorry folks. Case closed.