Can We Achieve Faster-Than-Light Travel with Alcubierre's Warp Drive?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the possibility of achieving faster-than-light (FTL) travel, particularly through the concept of Alcubierre's Warp Drive. Participants explore the theoretical implications, philosophical considerations, and the relationship between FTL travel and the laws of physics, including relativity.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express skepticism about the feasibility of FTL travel, suggesting it may not be possible based on current understanding of physics.
  • Others propose that advancements in technology and understanding could eventually lead to FTL travel, asserting that "nothing is impossible."
  • A participant references the Alcubierre Drive, noting that while it aligns with relativity, the practicalities and required energy for such a drive remain uncertain.
  • Concerns are raised regarding the implications of FTL travel on causality, with some arguing that it would violate established physical laws.
  • There is a recognition that while theoretical models may suggest FTL could be possible, the current scientific consensus does not support it.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally do not reach a consensus on the possibility of FTL travel. While some express hope for future advancements, others maintain that current physics suggests it is not feasible.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge the complexity of the topic, with some expressing that the theoretical aspects, such as those presented in the Alcubierre Drive paper, are challenging to fully grasp. The discussion also touches on philosophical implications and the nature of scientific inquiry.

alexbib
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out of curiosity, who thinks we'll ever be able to travel faster than light (either directly or through higher dimensional shortcuts) ?
 
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This isn't a physics question. This is philosophy/general discussion. Moved.

<oh, wait, i can't do that>

And I don't think we will.
 
I agree--sounds like a topic for general discussion.
 
Eventually I think that we will be able to do anything provided we live long enough to get there.

Nothing is Impossible.
 
Smurf said:
Nothing is Impossible.
I'd say it would be impossible to stuff my size 8 foot into a size 5 shoe (without modifying one of them). :wink:
 
'Whoever said 'nothings impossible' never tried to nail jell-o to a tree'
Lisa Bryant
 
or tried to explain what's so interesting about a Physics Forum to an idiot girlfriend
 
tribdog said:
or tried to explain what's so interesting about a Physics Forum to an idiot girlfriend

See, that should have been your first clue something was wrong with her. :approve:
 
lol, that was the 153rd clue.
 
  • #10
Chronos said:
'Whoever said 'nothings impossible' never tried to nail jell-o to a tree'
Lisa Bryant

That's a good one. I'll try to remember that.
 
  • #11
Evo said:
I'd say it would be impossible to stuff my size 8 foot into a size 5 shoe (without modifying one of them). :wink:
Not if your foot were traveing at ... Oh wait, did you need to wear that shoe for a long period of time?
 
  • #12
Chronos said:
'Whoever said 'nothings impossible' never tried to nail jell-o to a tree'
Lisa Bryant

Anyone who can't nail jello to a tree has obviously never considered temperature. :biggrin:

As for size 8 feet and size 5 shoes, this is just a gauge problem.
 
  • #13
Evo said:
I'd say it would be impossible to stuff my size 8 foot into a size 5 shoe (without modifying one of them). :wink:
You can just wait 150 yrs it will will fit in an envelope. :smile: You are not actually modifying you foot by that is it?
 
  • #14
lol, nobody has a serious opinion?
And it IS a physics question. We will only be able to travel faster than light if the laws of the universe allow it. I guess it might indeed belong more in general discussion though.
 
  • #15
From a physics point of view, Relativity, which appears to be pretty darn accurate, says that you can not accelerate to a speed faster than that of light. Travelling faster than light will violate causality. However, this says nothing about the existence of things that are always traveling faster than light...except that we can not interact with them.
 
  • #16
I tried giving the Alcubierre Drive paper a look over but it is over my head. But it is said that fits in with relativity and still maintains you can travel faster than light.

Now, perhaps the research Alcubierre did was right or wrong I don't know, but the way in which he exploits the universe for FTL, it seems plausible perhaps. I don't know, like I said it is over my head so don't take my word.

Of course we don't have the power required to do it--but that doesn't negate it -might- be possible.
 

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