Can a Hypothetical Perfectly Rigid Body Transmit Forces Faster than Light?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the hypothetical scenario of whether a perfectly rigid body could transmit forces faster than light, specifically through a wire in space that is 2 light seconds long. Participants explore the implications of using a zero-stretch material and the nature of force transmission in such a context.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the feasibility of a zero-stretch material and its implications for force transmission over a distance of 2 light seconds.
  • Another participant asserts that the assumption of a zero-stretch material is flawed, emphasizing that the wire's molecular structure is held together by electromagnetic forces, which cannot propagate faster than light.
  • A link is provided to further reading on the topic of sending signals faster than light using a rigid rod, suggesting that this is a contested area of inquiry.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the assumptions regarding the material properties and the implications for force transmission. There are competing views on the nature of rigidity and the speed of force transmission.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the assumption of a zero-stretch material and the dependence on the properties of electromagnetic interactions, which are not fully resolved in the discussion.

etriad
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Sorry in advance if this is a ridiculous question, but I've always wondered about this.

Let's say we could create a wire in space away from any gravitational affects. Make the wire 2 light seconds long, for example. If we pulled on one end, when would the effects be felt on the other end? I'm assuming that we could create a zero-stretch material (maybe a very bad assumption).
 
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welcome to pf!

hi etriad! welcome to pf! :smile:
etriad said:
Sorry in advance if this is a ridiculous question, but I've always wondered about this.

Let's say we could create a wire in space away from any gravitational affects. Make the wire 2 light seconds long, for example. If we pulled on one end, when would the effects be felt on the other end? I'm assuming that we could create a zero-stretch material (maybe a very bad assumption).

at least 2 seconds later …

the wire is mostly empty space: the molecules in it are bound together only by electromagnetism, and electromagnetic effects can't travel faster than light :wink:
 
Thanks for the link.
 

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