Faster than the speed of light?

In summary, Einstein's equations propose the existence of tachyons, particles that may move faster than the speed of light but cannot interact with our physical reality. These solutions are not widely accepted in the physics community and are seen as meaningless or nonsensical.
  • #1
typical guy
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If you look at Einstein's equations, is it possible that an entire universe of objects exists that were created at the big bang that move faster than the speed of light but have a lower speed limit equal to light while we have an upper limit equal to the speed of light? I remember hearing something along these lines some 10+ years ago. So if objects are moving faster than the speed of light, what could be done to detect them?
 
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  • #2
The hypothetical particles you refer to are known as tachyons, you can look them up for more information.

My personal interpretation of the equations is that these solutions are meaningless. After all, say a cubic equation comes up in some physically relevant problem and there is only one real root. Do we say there exists another universe, separate but disconnected, in which the two complex roots are manifest in some physical form? No, almost anyone would say that's nonsense. My opinion of the equations of relativity is analogous.

But just to give you a bit of information about those who do take the possibility (somewhat) seriously, your description is correct. However, these objects cannot interact with our physical reality. This includes being able to detect them in ANY way (of course, this necessarily must involve interaction!). If they could, causality would be violated and I do not think the physics community at large will ever be willing to throw that out the window unless there is overwhelming evidence to support such a conclusion.
 

1. Can anything travel faster than the speed of light?

No, according to Einstein's theory of relativity, nothing can travel faster than the speed of light.

2. Why is the speed of light considered the universal speed limit?

The speed of light is considered the universal speed limit because it is the fastest speed at which energy, information, or matter can travel. It is also the speed at which all physical laws and constants are measured.

3. What happens if an object were to travel faster than the speed of light?

If an object were to travel faster than the speed of light, it would violate the principles of relativity and cause a phenomenon known as time dilation. This means that time would slow down for the object in motion, making it impossible for it to reach the speed of light.

4. How is the speed of light measured?

The speed of light is measured by observing how long it takes for light to travel a specific distance. Scientists have been able to accurately measure the speed of light by using a variety of methods, including the use of lasers and mirrors.

5. Is there any theoretical possibility of traveling faster than the speed of light?

While there is currently no known way to travel faster than the speed of light, some theories, such as warp drive and wormholes, suggest that it may be possible to achieve superluminal (faster than light) travel through manipulation of space-time. However, these concepts are still purely theoretical and have not been proven to be possible.

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