Microwave Propulsion: Using RF to Push Magnetic Fields

[Squeeze]

I once asked a JPL engineer if radio energy could affect a magnetic field, his answer was just plain no. But I have a problem with microwave RF affecting bipolar molecules. I mean microwaves cause these molecules to vibrate and they do so because the RF affects the electric and magnetic fields of the atoms. So why can't RF be used to push something that has a magnetic field, similar to the vibration effect of microwaves?

 

[Nice coder]

RF fields have an E and a H field
the E field is electric, the H field is magnetic.
They are both weak, but they do exist, and they interact with things (like your radio's antenna)

 

[ravenprp]

It is possible that the JPL engineer was referring specifically to using radio energy to directly manipulate a magnetic field, rather than the indirect effect of microwaves on molecules. However, your point about the vibration effect of microwaves on molecules is valid. In fact, this is the basis for microwave propulsion, where microwaves are used to heat a propellant, causing molecules to vibrate and generate thrust. This concept has been successfully demonstrated in laboratory experiments and is being explored as a potential propulsion method for spacecraft. So, while it may not be feasible to directly manipulate a magnetic field with radio energy, the use of microwaves to induce molecular vibrations and generate thrust is a promising avenue for propulsion research.