Information transmitted at speeds greater than C

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the concept of transmitting information at speeds greater than the speed of light (C) using a diamond tube. Participants explore the implications of using mechanical signals and the speed of sound in materials compared to the speed of light.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes an experiment involving a diamond tube to measure the latency between a mechanical signal and a light signal, suggesting that if the mechanical signal arrives first, it could indicate faster-than-light communication.
  • Another participant argues that a mechanical signal cannot exceed the speed of light, as it is fundamentally based on electromagnetic forces at the atomic level.
  • A different participant points out that the speed of sound in diamond is significantly slower than the speed of light, citing a specific speed of 12,000 meters per second.
  • A participant references a FAQ in the relativity forum that discusses the possibility of sending signals faster than light using rigid rods, implying that this topic has been previously addressed.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement regarding the possibility of transmitting information faster than light, with some asserting that mechanical signals are limited by the speed of light while others explore the implications of the proposed experiment.

Contextual Notes

The discussion involves assumptions about the nature of mechanical signals and their relationship to electromagnetic forces, as well as the specific properties of materials like diamond. The limitations of the proposed experiment and the definitions of speed in different contexts are not fully resolved.

alex.enduro73
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Hello,

a question for all of you with its experiment.
If I have a material that has a Bulk modulus higher, the diamond type (442 GPa) if I create a tube of diamond along 1 miles (or length less) with appropriate supports to decrease as much as possible the friction.
At the same time I have a source with a beam of light, and on the other end I receiver measures the time that I was late arriving light.
The tube ends in a diamond has a servo for actuating the movement of longitudinal movement that can be recorded from the other end with a sensor.
By activating both instantly (or in sequence it is important to measure the latency), motion tube diamond and activation beam of light, which would be the information that will come first?
If it should be noted the movement of the tube with a latency less than the arrival of the light beam will have discovered a way of communicating information faster than light. thanks
Alexander
 
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A mechanical signal is never faster than light, because on the atomic level it is also based on EM forces. I recommend you this video:

 
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Lets say you hit the end of the diamond tube with a hammer. The shock wave will travel down the tube at the speed of sound in diamond which according to this web page is "only" 12,000 meters per second. Quite a bit slower than the speed of light.

http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/sound-speed-solids-d_713.html

The speed of sound in any material cannot exceed the speed of light for the reasons given in the video at about 4mins in.
 
There is a FAQ on this topic over in the relativity forum:

https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/can-i-send-a-signal-faster-than-light-by-pushing-a-rigid-rod.536289/
 
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