Can Time and Space be Distorted for Zero-Mass Travel?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion explores the concept of whether a human or solid matter can exist in a "vacuum" that distorts space and time to achieve zero mass, and whether such an object could be propelled by light or protons. It also touches on the implications of time travel and the relationship between mass and energy as described by Einstein's equation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose the idea of a "vacuum" that distorts space and time, potentially allowing solid matter to achieve zero mass.
  • Others argue that according to Einstein's equation E = mc², if mass is zero, then energy must also be zero, which raises questions about the feasibility of such a scenario.
  • A participant suggests that the question is built on speculation and emphasizes the need to return to established physics before making further extrapolations.
  • There is a correction regarding the interpretation of light's energy, with some asserting that while light has zero mass, it does possess energy, contradicting the earlier claim that zero mass implies zero energy.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement regarding the implications of mass and energy, particularly in relation to light. There is no consensus on the feasibility of the proposed vacuum concept or the potential for zero mass travel.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes speculative elements that are not grounded in established physics, and there are unresolved interpretations of Einstein's equation as it relates to mass and energy.

patrick_usc
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Would it be possible for a human being or any other solid matter to be encapsuled or exist in a sort of "Vaccum" which distorts space and time around the object that would make it have zero matter?
If so, would it be possible for light or protons to somehow be captured and propel that object along a determined path through space to a destination? And given the experiment in which an object the size of a molecule has already been involved in "time travel" could this potentially zero mass object be able to totravel through space and possibly time?
 
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I'm not sure what you mean by that "vacuum" thing. However, according to Einsteins famous equation:
E = mc^2 if you have zero mass, then you have zero energy. The equation shows that mass and energy are essentially interchangeable.
So I'll assume that what you want is to convert all of this objects mass into energy. As of yet, there is no practical way to achieve this.

"time travel" into the future is only possible through relativity, traveling to the past is impossible.
 
patrick_usc said:
Would it be possible for a human being or any other solid matter to be encapsuled or exist in a sort of "Vaccum" which distorts space and time around the object that would make it have zero matter?
If so, would it be possible for light or protons to somehow be captured and propel that object along a determined path through space to a destination? And given the experiment in which an object the size of a molecule has already been involved in "time travel" could this potentially zero mass object be able to totravel through space and possibly time?

There is simply way too many speculation built on top of speculation in your question here. At some point, you have to come back to some known physics before you extrapolate way too far. As it is, there is no way to address your question without diving into unverified speculation. This is against the https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=5374" that governs all posts in this forum.

Perillux said:
I'm not sure what you mean by that "vacuum" thing. However, according to Einsteins famous equation:
E = mc^2 if you have zero mass, then you have zero energy. The equation shows that mass and energy are essentially interchangeable.

This is incorrect. Lights has no mass, but it certainly has energy.

This issue has been addressed in the FAQ thread in the General Physics forum. Please review it.

Zz.
 
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I didn't mean that light has mass. I meant if m is 0 then the equation says that E is also 0.
Am I still interpreting it wrong?
 
Perillux said:
I didn't mean that light has mass. I meant if m is 0 then the equation says that E is also 0.
Am I still interpreting it wrong?

Yes, because you're also implying that light has zero energy, since m=0. This is not correct. Light has m=0, but it certainly does NOT have zero energy. So your "rule" here is faulty.

Zz.
 

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