Exploring Superluminal Speed with Airships A & B

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of two airships traveling at 0.6c in opposite directions and the separation of points on an elastic material attached to each airship. The question is raised about whether the points on the material will be moving at a speed faster than light. The expert explains that relativistic speeds are not added in the same way as everyday speeds and calculates that the maximum speed of the points on the material will be 0.88c. It is also mentioned that a point at the center of the material will remain stationary.
  • #1
Strategiest
6
0
If we have two airships going at speed 0.6c in the opposite directions. then they will be separated at a speed higher than light.

let's name the airships , A and B
My question is , Let's say we have the two airships pull an elastic material.
take a point of the material on Airship A name it a , and a point on airship B. name it b. if they go at a speed close to light , then point a and b will be going at a speed faster than light ?

If so. then shouldn't all the points on the elastic material be going at a speed faster than light ?
 
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  • #2
You don't add relativistic speeds in the same way you do with everyday speeds.

[tex]V = \frac{v+u}{1+\frac{uv}{c^{2}}}[/tex]

Let v = 0.6c and u = 0.6c, that gives V = 0.88c, so they aren't moving apart at a speed greater than light, but less than light.
 
  • #3
Besides...
Strategiest said:
If we have two airships going at speed 0.6c in the opposite directions. then they will be separated at a speed higher than light.

let's name the airships , A and B
My question is , Let's say we have the two airships pull an elastic material.
take a point of the material on Airship A name it a , and a point on airship B. name it b. if they go at a speed close to light , then point a and b will be going at a speed faster than light ?
If the spacecraft are going .6C, then quite obviously, the fastest any part of the material will be going is .6C - right where it is connected to a spacecraft .

And...
If so. then shouldn't all the points on the elastic material be going at a speed faster than light ?
Also quite obviously, a point at the center of an elastic band is stationary wrt where the stretching started. Try it with a broken rubber band - put a mark at the center and pull the ends apart. The mark doesn't ever move.
 
  • #4
Thank you.
 

1. Can airships actually travel at superluminal speeds?

No, according to our current understanding of physics, it is not possible for any object, including airships, to travel faster than the speed of light. This is due to the limitations of Einstein's theory of relativity.

2. How are airships A & B able to achieve such high speeds?

Airships A & B are equipped with advanced propulsion systems and aerodynamic designs that allow them to travel at incredibly high speeds. They also utilize exotic materials and technologies that reduce air resistance and increase efficiency.

3. What impact could superluminal airship travel have on space exploration?

If superluminal airship travel were possible, it could significantly reduce travel time and make space exploration more feasible. It could also open up the possibility of reaching distant planets and galaxies in a shorter amount of time.

4. Are there any potential dangers or risks associated with superluminal airship travel?

There are still many unknowns and limitations when it comes to superluminal travel, so there could be potential dangers or risks involved. These could include radiation exposure, collisions with space debris, and potential destabilization of the fabric of space-time.

5. Could superluminal airship travel be the future of transportation on Earth?

While it is an exciting concept, there are many technical and scientific challenges that would need to be overcome before superluminal airship travel could be a viable form of transportation on Earth. It is more likely that it will primarily be used for space exploration purposes.

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