If a global EMP attack knocked out the world's power and Internet, would we be free or doomed?

[Listener2307]

Here's a question for those more informed than I:
Would an EMP, in fact, disable cars and trucks? Would it destroy the electronics that make them run? The military has me believing that it would because of the way the military designs such things.


If the answer to that question is "Yes", then why doesn't a near miss lightening strike have the same effect? Aren't EMP strikes and a lightening strikes sort of first cousins?


FWIW: If you are an educated engineer and need to use technical terms, go ahead. I was a navy electronic technician and can mostly keep up.

[lvmensch]

Originally Posted by Listener2307

Here's a question for those more informed than I:
Would an EMP, in fact, disable cars and trucks? Would it destroy the electronics that make them run? The military has me believing that it would because of the way the military designs such things.


If the answer to that question is "Yes", then why doesn't a near miss lightening strike have the same effect? Aren't EMP strikes and a lightening strikes sort of first cousins?


FWIW: If you are an educated engineer and need to use technical terms, go ahead. I was a navy electronic technician and can mostly keep up.

There is a difference between EMP and Carrington. EMP involves high energy particles which can damage junctions. If they are energetic enough they would blast most unprotected electronic device. The protection is generally a metal shield. I suppose if energetic enough it gets to everything. But if it is energetic enough it likely kills all the people as well.

Carrington is close to a very big lightning strike. It did things like setting fire to fence posts on long wire fences. Doubtful it does much damage to electronics. Stuff plug in the wall may get whacked but it the input to the power supply is well done that will not happen. In general this stuff is dealt with to one degree or another in the design of electronic devices.