In order to properly understand the nature of the Molecular Disruption device, it is first necessary to understand the basic principles of molecular interaction. There are two types of forces that govern atomic and molecular interaction: Intramolecular forces (forces within molecules) and Intermolecular forces (forces between different molecules). There are three main types of Intramolecular forces: ionic, covalent, and metallic. Ionic bonds are the attraction of two oppositely charged ions that result from one atom donating its valence electron(s) to the other atom. Ionic bonds are the strongest bonding force. Covalent bonds are formed when two atoms (usually nonmetals) share electrons between them so that both can possess a full valence shell. Finally, metallic bonds are the attractive forces between delocalized electrons and the positively charged metal ions.
Beyond these simple bonds, Intermolecular forces serve to hold different molecules (groups of atoms) together. Dipole- Dipole bonding is the oriental attraction between opposite dipoles (the separation of charges within a molecule). For example, the positive end of a polar molecule will be oriented with the negative end of another molecule because of the attraction between their opposite charges. Polar molecules can also cause a distortion in the electron cloud of a neighboring molecule, which results in an induced dipole moment. The weakest Intermolecular force is the London Dispersion Force, in which temporary dipole moments are formed because of the movement of electrons within the molecule. These temporary dipoles induce dipoles in the molecules surrounding them, causing a weak interaction between the molecules.
According to the book, the little doctor sets up a field in which electrons cannot be shared. Based on our understanding of molecular forces, it seems theoretically possible to excite electrons to neutralize the attraction between the molecules, however, it does not seem possible to have that field gain energy from nearby molecules (and therefore the field would have a much more limited range than the book suggests).
Within the context of the book, the feasibility of the Little Doctor is quite substantial. Although it must be detonated right near the target, Ender displays and executes the possibility of having the Little Doctor bypass the defenses of the target in question and detonating it without loss of life on our side. The detonation does create a blast that expands in all directions, but Ender was able to quickly and meticulously direct all of the allied ships out of the path of destruction created by the Little Doctor’s blast. So if the technology of the Little Doctor came and was utilized along with and within the subject of intergalactic warfare, then this little bomb is definitely a feasible option in such an intergalactic war.
However, all feasibility of the usage of the Little Doctor is immediately destroyed once its uses are discussed when speaking on wars on a planet and not on the aforementioned intergalactic wars. Because the Little Doctor rapidly excites any and every molecule it touches (which is probably trillions per second), it is a blast that can only be avoided, not contained. Even one usage of a Little Doctor on Earth (or any other planet for that matter) would mean the almost instantaneous annihilation of the planet along with any and all of its inhabitants. Once the Little Doctor is set off, it will begin a chain reaction that will destroy everything surrounding it and will continue to grow in size and danger as long as it continues to come into contact with more and more molecules. Knowing this, the inevitable risk of danger is now heightened with the knowledge that the power and danger of the Little Doctor could very well not be halted by the total annihilation of Earth, but go on to destroy the solar system and any galaxy (including our own) as long as it is constantly in contact with molecules.
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