Faster than light theory #759309

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the theoretical implications of a helicopter blade's motion and whether the outermost section could exceed the speed of light if the inner section were to approach light speed. The scope includes conceptual exploration and theoretical reasoning related to special relativity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes a scenario where the outer section of a helicopter blade could theoretically move faster than light if the inner section were to reach near-light speed, questioning the practical implications of such a scenario.
  • Another participant counters that no object can be absolutely rigid due to the principles of special relativity, suggesting that the outer blade's speed would still be limited relative to the inner section.
  • A further response emphasizes that even with a hypothetical rigid material, the energy required to achieve such speeds would be prohibitive, as energy would also be needed for the outer section indirectly.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement regarding the feasibility of achieving speeds greater than light with the proposed scenario, with some asserting that it is impossible under the constraints of special relativity.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations related to the assumptions of rigidity and energy requirements, as well as the dependence on the principles of special relativity.

malikah
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
faster than light theory #759309...

imagine a propeller from a helicopter...we know that the part of the blade farthest form the pivot point moves faster than the section nearest to the pivot point... so in theory, if we could get the section nearset to the pivot point to move close to the speed of light, then would the outer most section be moving at, or faster than the speed of light? (taking into consideration that we are using the strongest materials we have and it is well lubed etc etc...) I'm not sure what purpose this would serve other than to get ones picture on the front of a science mag... but n e way...
 
Science news on Phys.org
no object is absolutely rigid as a consequence of special relativity. From an outsider's point of view, the blade would still be moving at a speed even nearer to the speed of light, when compared to the speed of the "section nearest to the pivot point".
There is no such "strongest" material anymore.
 
Even if you theoretically consider a very rigid material, you cannot get the outer section to be moving at a speed greater than or equal to that of light.
Because in this case, the energy that you need to supply to the inner part would still exceed any amount of energy,since actually you are also providing energy to the outer part, if only indirectly.
 
ahh..good answer..sigh...
 

Similar threads

Graduate Speed of the outside of a wheel faster than the speed of light
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
Graduate What if the speed of light were not constant?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Undergrad Is there really nothing faster than light?
  • · Replies 40 ·
2
Replies
40
Views
5K
High School Scissor Blade Problem
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
High School Speed of light versus wavelength
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
Graduate Faster Than Light Travel: Theory and Possibility
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
4K
Undergrad Light clock running faster than light?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Undergrad Speed faster than light speed in a medium
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
High School Let me ask a thing about the Speed of Light
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
High School Discover the Reason Why Light Moves Slower in Water | Fermilab Video Explanation
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K