Naked Science Forum

General Science => General Science => Topic started by: amalia on 08/11/2019 09:25:25

Title: Can we use magnets against sharks?
Post by: amalia on 08/11/2019 09:25:25

Paul wrote with an idea on how to stop shark attaks on divers:
Why are magnets or battery operated magnets not inncorporated into wet suits for divers to deter sharks? Can an intense magnetic field not be generated underwater or would it adversely affect the diver?
What do you think?

Title: Re: Can we use magnets against sharks?
Post by: alancalverd on 08/11/2019 09:57:14

You are welcome to try, and assured of an interested audience for your findings.

There is no known adverse effect on humans of a constant magnetic field up to 8 tesla.

There are several species known as "shark", with very different characteristics. AFAIK some respond to electric fields and some may use magnetic fields to navigate, but beware: your experiment in a tank with a 2 kg Common Dogfish may not map usefully to a 5 tonne Great White.