Faster than Light: Mystery of Sun & Big Bang

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In summary, the conversation discusses the use of the Boltzman formula to estimate speeds of particles at extreme temperatures, such as the core of the sun and during the Big-Bang. It is noted that the formula may give values larger than the speed of light for relativistic particles, and that taking relativistic effects into account may require the use of a more complex distribution. The conversation ends with a question about the accuracy of using the Boltzman formula in such cases.
  • #1
Trave11er
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Hi everyone!

If Boltzman formula is used to find speed then it gives values bigger than speed of light for electrons at the core of Sun (T=15,7*10^9 K) and for nucleons at the moment of their formation after the Big-Bang (T is bigger than 10^12 K). Why?
 
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  • #2
The sun is 1000 times cooler than that.
 
  • #3
Vanadium 50 said:
The sun is 1000 times cooler than that.

Oops, yeah, you are right. But what about the second part?
 
  • #4
You can't use KE = 1/2mv2 when speeds are relativistic.
 
  • #5
Doc Al said:
You can't use KE = 1/2mv2 when speeds are relativistic.

All right. But if we take relativistic effects into account can we still use Boltzman formula to estimate speeds in such cases?
 
  • #6
Trave11er said:
But if we take relativistic effects into account can we still use Boltzman formula to estimate speeds in such cases?
That's a good question. I suspect you can use it to get an estimate, but I don't know how good it would be. The distribution of speeds for relativistic particles is governed by the Maxwell-Juttner distribution, which is more complicated that the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution. (I've long since forgotten how that's derived. :frown:)
 
  • #7
Ok. Thanks a lot.
 

1. How can anything travel faster than the speed of light?

According to Einstein's theory of relativity, the speed of light is the fastest speed at which anything can travel. However, some theories suggest that objects with negative mass or energy could potentially travel faster than the speed of light.

2. What is the mystery of the Sun's role in faster than light travel?

The Sun's role in faster than light travel is related to the concept of wormholes, which are hypothetical tunnels through space-time that could potentially allow for faster than light travel. Some theories suggest that the Sun's immense gravitational pull could create or stabilize such wormholes.

3. How does the Big Bang relate to faster than light travel?

The Big Bang theory suggests that the universe began as a singularity and has been expanding ever since. This theory also supports the idea of faster than light travel, as the rapid expansion of the universe could have allowed objects to travel faster than the speed of light in the early stages of the universe.

4. Are there any experiments or evidence to support the concept of faster than light travel?

While there have been some experiments and observations that suggest the possibility of faster than light travel, such as the observation of distant objects moving faster than the speed of light, there is currently no concrete evidence to support this concept. It remains a topic of ongoing research and speculation in the scientific community.

5. What are the potential implications of faster than light travel?

If faster than light travel were to become a reality, it could revolutionize space exploration and potentially allow for interstellar travel within a reasonable timeframe. However, it could also challenge our current understanding of physics and the laws of the universe, and raise ethical considerations about the impact on time and causality.

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