Usually we see lightsabers cutting through metals like butter, with a few notable exceptions. And we know it can cut through flesh while cauterizing the wound. But what about material with a different resistance to heat, like a wet log? Could a lightsaber cut a tree down with a slice or by just thrusting it into the wood, as trees don't really "melt"? What would the physics be of doing something like this?
asked Feb 27, 2012 at 15:06
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30The physics are best described as, "Yeah, that'd be AWESOME!"– JeffCommented Feb 27, 2012 at 15:57
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1At some point, everything melts.– bitmaskCommented Feb 27, 2012 at 16:23
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3...wouldn't wood incinerate before melting?– Bart SilverstrimCommented Feb 27, 2012 at 16:34
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12Busy visualizing a woodchuck with a lightsaber.– Major StackingsCommented Feb 27, 2012 at 19:47
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5And how much wood would a lightsaber light if a lightsaber could light wood?– Paul D. WaiteCommented Oct 27, 2016 at 23:34
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2 Answers
In Star Wars: The Force Awakens we see both the antagonist Kylo Ren (using his funky red saber) and protagonist Rey (using Luke's lightsaber) cutting through trees with gay abandon. They seem to present no more impediment to the blade than a vibro-knife through butter.
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1I’m sort of surprised this question got as many upvotes as it did, but this is a nice answer nonetheless.– AdamantCommented Oct 27, 2016 at 23:20
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@Adamant - The question is ok-ish. The previous answer is definitely lacking.– ValorumCommented Oct 27, 2016 at 23:32
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4There should at least be a badge for first use of the phrase “gay abandon” on the site. Definitely feels like something I would have said at some point. Commented Oct 27, 2016 at 23:36
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1Also what a sci fi simile! "like a vibro-knife through butter". Something you see every day really 😉 Commented Jul 17, 2017 at 8:16
Yes, several of the books describe Luke using his lightsaber to cut through jungles.
It also follows physics. A wet log doesn't burn easily, but an oxy-Acetylene torch will go through it in no time.
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Err, but a light saber isn't hot. You can't really compare it to a oxy-Acetylene torch. Commented Feb 27, 2012 at 17:35
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1Actually it takes quite some time to burn through wood with a torch. A laser on the other hand makes pretty quick work of it.– ChadCommented Feb 27, 2012 at 18:01
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10Lightsabers have to be hot if they cauterize as they slice... Commented Feb 27, 2012 at 20:29
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3@BartSilverstrim - Actually the heat up when the come in contact with matter.– ChadCommented Feb 28, 2012 at 14:22
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