Closed Environment Sound at Light

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the hypothetical scenario of sound propagation in a closed environment moving at 0.9999c, or 99.99% the speed of light. It concludes that while sound waves can travel faster than the observer's speed in a given reference frame, they remain constrained to a maximum speed less than that of light. The conversation emphasizes that achieving the speed of light is impossible, even in thought experiments, and clarifies the relationship between sound speed and light speed in relativistic contexts.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of special relativity concepts, particularly time dilation and length contraction.
  • Familiarity with sound wave propagation and its dependence on medium.
  • Knowledge of reference frames in physics.
  • Basic grasp of the speed of light as a universal constant.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of special relativity on sound and light interactions.
  • Explore the concept of reference frames in detail, particularly in relativistic physics.
  • Investigate sound wave behavior in various mediums at high velocities.
  • Examine thought experiments related to light speed limits and their philosophical implications.
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, students of relativity, and anyone interested in the theoretical implications of sound and light speed in closed systems.

Kaleb
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[SOLVED] Closed Environment Sound at Light

I had an idea regarding sound at light speed. If you are in a closed box and are traveling at the speed of light and you flick your finger, since the oxygen is also traveling at the speed of light would it make a sound relative to your position. If so, would it be traveling faster than light? This is hypothetical of course, and I am curious after reading another topic like this.
 
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First thing: You can't go at the speed of light, only arbitrarily close (even in a thought experiment). So let's say you and your box is moving at 0.9999c with respect to some frame of reference. The speed of the sound wave with respect to that same reference frame (at least the part going forward) will be greater than your speed, but still less than the speed of light.
 
Thanks Doc, mission accomplished!
 

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