Faster than the speed of light

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the implications of traveling faster than the speed of light, particularly regarding the theoretical existence of tachyons, which are particles that always travel faster than light. Participants clarify that while Special Relativity prohibits speeds exceeding light, General Relativity allows for superluminal recession due to cosmic expansion. Observations of quasars receding at speeds greater than light are discussed, emphasizing the distinction between observed velocities and the limitations imposed by Special Relativity. The conversation highlights the importance of context when discussing light speed limits in physics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Special Relativity and its implications on mass and speed.
  • Familiarity with General Relativity and cosmic expansion concepts.
  • Knowledge of tachyons and their theoretical properties.
  • Basic comprehension of redshift and its role in astronomical observations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties and implications of tachyons in theoretical physics.
  • Study the Hubble Law and its application in cosmology.
  • Learn about the Robertson-Walker metric and its significance in understanding cosmic expansion.
  • Explore the concept of redshift and its calculation in relation to distant astronomical objects.
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, cosmologists, and anyone interested in the complexities of light speed, cosmic expansion, and theoretical particle physics will benefit from this discussion.

  • #61
Well that simply goes back to my question regarding quantum tunneling. Whether or not it is a transposition of a particle, or one "wormhole-like" surpassing time.

There was another study that I can't locate regarding separated entangled electrons and their spins, in that reversing a spin of one, will also reverse that of the other. Are these electrons communicating at a certain speed, such as c, taking 1 second to change if they are 300,000km apart? Or does it surpass time, happening immediately regardless of distance? If so how, but if it takes time, and we supposedly had an atom where two electrons would be such a distance apart, what effect does it have on the atom if for 1 second the electrons in the orbital are spinning in the same direction? Then we can apply thisw to the microscopic scale, where for an unimaginably but existent small period of time, the 2 electrons spin in the same manner. Does it possibly change the interaction of one atom with another, or does anyone have an idea onto what'll happen within that period of time?
 
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  • #62
Well my own question was answered by a friend of mine. For those of you unaware, it is Bell's theorem.

It states that due to the uncertainty of the position of an electron, it could be a light year away, and not affect any delay in a reaction, Einstein calling it "Spooky Action At A Distance."
 

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