Length Contraction & FTL Speeds: Are Lower Grades Faster?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the comparison of faster-than-light (FTL) travel speeds in Star Wars spacecraft, specifically the Millennium Falcon's Class 0.5 hyperdrive and the X-wing's Class 1 hyperdrive. Despite the X-wing being classified as faster, the Millennium Falcon is perceived to travel quicker due to the concept of length contraction, which is not applicable at FTL speeds according to special relativity. Participants emphasize that attempting to apply real physics to fictional scenarios like Star Wars is futile, as the franchise does not adhere to scientific principles.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of special relativity and its implications on speed and length contraction.
  • Familiarity with faster-than-light travel concepts in science fiction.
  • Knowledge of the Star Wars universe, particularly spacecraft classifications.
  • Basic physics terminology related to inertial frames and relativistic effects.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of special relativity, focusing on length contraction and its limitations.
  • Explore the concept of faster-than-light travel in various science fiction narratives.
  • Analyze the physics of spacecraft design and performance in fictional universes.
  • Investigate how science fiction writers incorporate or ignore scientific principles in their storytelling.
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Science fiction enthusiasts, physicists interested in theoretical applications, and writers looking to understand the intersection of science and fiction in storytelling.

Maximum7
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TL;DR
Question on FTL and Length contraction
I’m not a physicist but let’s say hypothetically ;we have the Millennium Falcon. It’s FTL hyperdrive can go Class 0.5 past lightspeed. Then we have an X-wing which has a Class 1 past lightspeed drive. This is all from the lore. MF is 0.5 and X Wing is 1 but MF is faster. Anyway even though the Class 1 is “faster”; is it due to length contraction at FTL that’s make the lower grade drive faster or am I hopelessly off base?
 
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It is impossible to write a coherent description of something traveling faster than light in special relativity, so your question is like asking what colour is an invisible unicorn. There cannot be an answer in terms of relativity. In particular, length contraction is a phenomenon defined between inertial frames, which necessarily do not exceed lightspeed with respect to one another.

Science fiction is not bound by the laws of physics.
 
Moderator's note: Thread level changed to "I".
 
Maximum7 said:
am I hopelessly off base?

In apparently thinking that somebody actually tried to derive the performance characteristics of spacecraft in Star Wars from relativity physics? Yes.
 
PeterDonis said:
In apparently thinking that somebody actually tried to derive the performance characteristics of spacecraft in Star Wars from relativity physics? Yes.

Tons of nerds do this for a living. Trying to make sense of fictional science I always wondered why in Star Wars that 0.5 past lightspeed was faster than 1. Then I was reading about length contraction and then said hmmmm.

I’m not looking for someone to just say “It’s fiction”. Just humor me then.
 
Maximum7 said:
Trying to make sense of fictional science

Is pointless if there is no actual science in the fiction. Star Wars does not have any science in it. They just made stuff up to fit the story.

Maximum7 said:
Just humor me then.

Sorry, we can't answer questions about science that doesn't exist.

Thread closed.
 

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