Can time travel affect cell phone communication?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the hypothetical scenario of time travel and its potential effects on cell phone communication. Participants explore the implications of using modern technology, like cell phones, in different time periods, focusing on the feasibility of maintaining communication across time. The conversation includes technical aspects of resonance and electromagnetic signals, as well as cultural references to time travel in media.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that cell phones communicate through resonance at specific frequencies and questions whether this would still work if traveling to a different time.
  • Another participant argues that electromagnetic signals used by cell phones do not travel through time, asserting that communication would not be possible.
  • A different participant challenges the notion of resonance, stating that most phenomena can be explained through resonance, implying a broader connection to communication.
  • Some participants reference the movie "Frequency" to illustrate the fictional nature of time travel communication, emphasizing the stability of current technology over decades.
  • One participant humorously notes that since we are always moving forward in time, one could attempt to call oneself from the previous day.
  • Several comments reflect on the excitement surrounding the concept of time travel, with some expressing skepticism about its feasibility.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the possibility of time travel affecting cell phone communication. While some firmly state that communication would not be possible, others engage in a more speculative discussion about the nature of resonance and technology. Overall, the discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference the limitations of current technology and the theoretical nature of time travel, but do not reach a consensus on the implications for communication.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may interest those curious about the intersection of technology and theoretical physics, as well as fans of science fiction and time travel concepts.

slow
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Hi. Perhaps it falls into a fallacy similar to the attempt to deny the Second Principle of Thermodynamics, misrepresenting the statistical and probabilistic interpretation. I will also expose what causes me curiosity.

My cell phone and the base of the service communicate with each other because both, the base and my cell phone, have circuits that resonate at the same frequency. We are in 2018. In case of traveling in time and carrying my cell phone, assuming it is the same geographical region in another time, would my cell phone still communicate with the base and could I communicate with the people who are in 2018?

I ask that because the resonance is able to operate in very special conditions, which leave almost all other types of phenomena inoperative.
 
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slow said:
In case of traveling in time and carrying my cell phone, assuming it is the same geographical region in another time, would my cell phone still communicate with the base and could I communicate with the people who are in 2018?

No. Your cell phone sends out electromagnetic signals that are received by the tower, which then does the same thing to communicate with your phone. These do not travel through time and you would not be able to communicate with anyone.
 
slow said:
I ask that because the resonance is able to operate in very special conditions, which leave almost all other types of phenomena inoperative.
Could you explain just exactly what that is supposed to mean. Are you suggesting that Resonance is associated with other types of phenomena? I would say that it's completely the opposite and the most phenomena can be explained in terms of one resonance or another.
Every communication involves a time delay (due to the c limit) but unless you can store a signal in some way, once it's gone past you, you've lost it.
 
slow said:
would my cell phone still communicate with the base and could I communicate with the people who are in 2018?
No. I really enjoy the movie “Frequency” too, but alas it is entirely fictional.
 
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Dale said:
No. I really enjoy the movie “Frequency” too, but alas it is entirely fictional.
Plus, in that movie they communicated by FM voice over HAM radios, about 20 years apart. That technology has been stable for many years, and will most likely endure for many more decades. Trying to communicate with cell phone technology over a decade apart would seem to be much more problematic. :smile:
 
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slow said:
We are in 2018. In case of traveling in time and carrying my cell phone, assuming it is the same geographical region in another time, would my cell phone still communicate with the base and could I communicate with the people who are in 2018?
You are currently traveling in time. So why don't you just try to call yourself yesterday?
 
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I want to thank all the people who have made themselves present.
 
Travel in time such a beautiful dream. Everyone loves time travel and it is possible people will get so excited about this.
 
Nick Carpenter Bali said:
Travel in time such a beautiful dream. Everyone loves time travel and it is possible people will get so excited about this.
? Excited about what? That time travel is impossible?
 
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phinds said:
? Excited about what? That time travel is impossible?
Excited, as usual, by the prospect of Magic. No one completely rejects Magic - even hard nosed PF members have some irrationality in there somewhere.
 
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  • #11
LOL, looks like it's time to close this thread. :smile:
 
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