Chapter 1: The Curious Intersection of Politics and Science

The dialogue between science and politics often raises eyebrows, yet here we are, ready to delve into an amusing narrative inspired by some recent statements from one of the most vocal figures in modern politics. How did the world of magnets and water come into play?

This humorous exploration will investigate the implications of magnets interacting with water, a topic that has gained unexpected attention.

“Envision it, magnets. All I know about them is that if you take a glass of water and spill it on the magnets, that's the end of the magnets.” — Donald Trump (January 2024)

If you've been tuned into any media, you’ve likely caught wind of this intriguing commentary.

“Who are you, who are so wise in the ways of science?” — Sir Bedevere

However, this isn't a new fixation for Trump. Like his sentiments on windmills and low-flow toilets, magnets have long been on his radar.

“I stated that magnets won't function. Just give me a cup of water, pour it on the magnets, and the system is completely shorted out. They asked me, ‘How did you know that?’ I replied, ‘Because I know that.’” — Donald Trump (July 2021)

It's difficult to counter such assertions.

You might be curious about Trump's aversion to magnets. Surprisingly, I have an explanation. His earlier remarks directly referred to the USS Gerald R. Ford, a naval vessel he has frequently criticized, labeling it “ugly,” “really bad,” and “stupid.”

My Insights:

The delays in development of the Ford's electromagnetic catapults likely confused him, leading to his unfiltered opinions on the matter. Named after another president, the USS Gerald R. Ford will probably never have a USS Trump, which surely frustrates him. The Obama administration was a strong advocate for the Ford and its class of carriers, which aligns with Trump's apparent disdain for anything associated with Obama.

His aversion to the Ford can be traced back to these sentiments against magnets.

Eventually, the Ford was commissioned, complete with its electromagnetic technology. Only Ford-class carriers and the Chinese Carrier, Fujian, possess this capability. One might speculate about how the Chinese may have gotten their hands on these designs while using particular facilities.

Now, let’s add a splash of cold water to your understanding of magnets and see if we can “short out” the system.

Upon hearing Trump’s “magnet” statement, I was immediately reminded of a field of technology I had previously encountered, and I began to wonder if its time had arrived.

Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD): An Overview

Magnetohydrodynamics explores the interaction between a conducting fluid and a magnetic field. Typically, saltwater serves as the conducting fluid, but other fluids, as well as plasma and ionized gases, are also applicable.

The physics behind this is surprisingly straightforward. A robust magnet establishes a magnetic field, and electricity flowing through the saltwater causes charged ions to mobilize. These particles encounter a force—known as the Lorentz force—that acts perpendicular to both the magnetic field and their direction of movement. In essence, this allows for the pumping of saltwater without any moving components.

While this concept isn’t brand new—Hannes Alfvén was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1970 for his contributions to MHD—its practical applications have been limited due to the high energy demands of MHD pumping.

It's not the current required in the saltwater that poses a challenge; as Trump has pointed out:

It’s the magnets!

Strong electromagnets consume significant energy. Superconductors, which are used in the most powerful magnets, add additional complexity in terms of cost and weight due to the need for cooling.

If only we had:

A high-temperature superconductor. However, despite recent reports, as of January 26, 2024, results related to LK-99 still cannot be replicated in a controlled, peer-reviewed setting. This revelation certainly threw a wrench in my writing process!

Now I see why Trump expresses disdain for science.

From Pumps to Propulsion

Nonetheless, superconductors that function at temperatures as high as -23°C have been discovered. Soon, MHD pumps may seem commonplace, paving the way for MHD propulsion using ionized gas.

And yes, that’s how flying saucers are believed to operate, in case you were wondering.

Thanks for sticking with me through the end! Feel free to leave 49 claps to indicate the story was enjoyable but not flawless, and I always aim to respond to every comment.

Chapter 2: The Science of Liquids and Magnet Experiments

This segment explores the fascinating relationship between liquids and magnets, shedding light on how they interact in scientific experiments.

In this video titled "How Liquids Impact a Magnet Experiment," you’ll discover how different liquids can influence the behavior of magnets in intriguing ways.

Chapter 3: The Magnetic Wonders of Water

In this section, we delve deeper into the mesmerizing effects of magnets on various forms of water, including moving water and its surprising capabilities.

The second video, "Everything Is Magnetic! Moving Water With Magnets And Levitating Frogs," showcases the captivating phenomena that occur when magnets interact with flowing water and even living creatures.