Can Kinetic Energy Differences Cause a Wormhole to Collapse in Science Fiction?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the concept of kinetic energy differences causing a wormhole to collapse, as depicted in Stephen Baxter's novel "Ring." The scenario involves a wormhole time machine where one mouth travels at relativistic speeds, leading to a collapse due to kinetic energy disparities. The narrative suggests that this collapse results in the temporary splitting of multiple wormholes, potentially sending characters to distant spacetime events. While the premise is intriguing, it is primarily viewed as a plot device rather than a scientifically grounded phenomenon.

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  • Understanding of relativistic physics
  • Familiarity with wormhole theory
  • Basic knowledge of quantum gravity concepts
  • Awareness of science fiction narrative techniques
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  • Research the principles of relativistic physics and their implications for time travel
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Science fiction enthusiasts, physicists, and writers interested in the intersection of theoretical physics and narrative storytelling.

CJames
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I was wondering about an event that took place in a book I'm reading, Stephen Baxter's "Ring." *Spoiler Alert* Baxter definitely does his research, but I wonder sometimes about the accuracy of some things that take place in his novels. In the novel, a wormhole time machine was being constructed. One of the mouths was still traveling at relativistic speeds, so when somebody attempted to traverse the wormhole the difference in kinetic energy between the two holes apparently caused the wormhole to collapse. This made some sense to me, but I started to question it a little more when during the collapse dozens of wormholes split off temporarily, and apparently sent the character into some distant space time event (possibly the future, I haven't finished the book yet so I'm not entirely sure). Is there any reason to think this would happen, possibly as some effect of quantum gravity, or was this just a plot device?
 
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I would tend to assume it's a plot device, but I haven't run any sort of calculation.
 

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