Question

http://science.howstuffworks.com/7102-electromagnetic-pulse-bomb-video.htm Towards the end of the video mack says that the burst has not affected the car dashboard's bulbs and the windows but affected the spark plug how? and why were'nt these simple dc circuits affected?

Answer 1

@Luigi0210

Answer 2

@Loser66

Answer 3

I would probaly say because it has more elctric in it

Answer 4

more electric?

Answer 5

Yeah, cause that is what powers the car

Answer 6

could you briefly explain pls?

Answer 7

Tube type radios are relatively unaffected by EMP. Dial lamps that utilize metal filaments would operate while dial lights that use LED (light emitting diodes) would be affected as they depend on semiconductor material. At one time the EMP research was conducted near the "Golden Isles" located near Brunswick, GA. I seen the strtuctures leading out into the tidal marshes. During my tour there with the FAA at St. Simons Island, GA the research facility was relocated or done elsewhere.

Answer 8

so what makes these semiconductors so vulnerable? and I have heard that the power grid would fail due to an emp attack because of power surge in the transmission lines..similarly why isn't there a power surge in these metal filaments?

Answer 9

The dial lamps on an auto wouldn't be concerned with the power grid. My understanding is that the problem with EMP occurs primarily to semiconductors used in transceivers, radar etc. Semiconductor are very vulnerable to static electricity because of their construction and the quantum nature of their operation. A great deal of "protection" from transients, spikes etc. are incorporated in their design. To be honest with you, when they were first introduced in the military (50s, 60s) I thought they would not make it. For example if the radios were on, and the tank engine was started the cranking generated a transient that usually knocked out some of the electronics. But fixes were found, the transients tamed and they are used. However a large EMP will damaged them if they are exposed. I don't know why the PN junction is so vulnerable to EMP, I would guess it is the structure and doping that the pulse messes with.

Answer 10

yes..you are right..there were even laws to limit the interference in radios because of ignition systems..and one more doubt..shouldn't the car act as a faraday cage?

Answer 11

Interesting thought, possibly there has gotten to be so much plastic, that a car shielding is insufficient. You would think electronics that were surround with ferrous material (usually hi mu soft iron) it would be immune to EMP, but apparently not, even those inside a tank!

Answer 12

thank you man:)