Faster than speed of light possible ?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the possibility of faster-than-light travel, particularly in the context of the universe's expansion after the Big Bang. Participants explore the implications of this expansion on the laws of physics, specifically relating to the speed of light and the nature of spacetime.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that according to the laws of physics, traveling faster than the speed of light is not possible, yet the universe's rapid expansion after the Big Bang suggests otherwise.
  • One participant clarifies that the expansion involved the spacetime itself rather than matter moving through space.
  • Another participant mentions the concept of Inflation, which occurred in a very short time frame and may explain how the universe expanded faster than light without violating physical laws.
  • There is a suggestion that the appearance of faster-than-light speeds could be due to the inflation of space itself, rather than objects moving through space at superluminal speeds.
  • Participants express uncertainty about the current understanding of these phenomena, indicating that the theories are not yet concrete.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus, as there are multiple competing views regarding the implications of the universe's expansion and the nature of faster-than-light travel.

Contextual Notes

Some limitations include the dependence on definitions of speed and expansion, as well as the unresolved nature of the theories discussed. The discussion reflects a range of interpretations and understandings of cosmological events.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those exploring concepts in cosmology, the nature of spacetime, and the implications of the Big Bang theory.

bigworld
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good day ,

I am not a professional , but I read that in according to laws of physics it is not possible to go faster than speed of light . but I also read that after the big bang in just seconds the universe expanded from a size of an atom to the size of a galaxy . so obviously it expanded faster than speed of light to reach such expansion rates . how can physics describe this ??
 
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in case of the "big bang" the expansion did not involve matter but the spacetime itself...
 
bigworld said:
good day ,

I am not a professional , but I read that in according to laws of physics it is not possible to go faster than speed of light . but I also read that after the big bang in just seconds the universe expanded from a size of an atom to the size of a galaxy . so obviously it expanded faster than speed of light to reach such expansion rates . how can physics describe this ??
I'm also very much an amateur, but I think the most rapid part of the expansion, called Inflation, took place in far less than a few seconds but a trillionth of a trillionth of a second.

The key is that the normal universe maintains the maximum speed of light at c in a vacuum. But if the fabric of space, therefore the "room" in space, inflates, theoretically there may be an appearance of faster-than-light speeds having taken place.

We may find that we have added an epicycle to achieve cover for this phenomena, but I believe it is the best we have now. The theory is far from concrete, I think.

Here's an outside link, and I would encourage you to look for FAQs in the Cosmology section of this site.

Wes
...
 
Thats interesting .. thanks i will look at the link
 
We have a FAQ about this: https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=508610
 
Last edited by a moderator:
bcrowell said:
We have a FAQ about this: https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=508610
Thanks for the quick link, bcrowell.

I'm starting to learn to wisely look for FAQs here first, but my better half was literally dragging me out the door to a Supper when I answered, so I quick punted. Usually when in Rome, it pays to speak the same language and the FAQs are a real gift to make physics more clear to all concerned. So thanks for providing/contributing the onboard FAQ too.

Wes
...
 
Last edited by a moderator:

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