- #1
touqra
- 284
- 0
What is a typical ("maximum") non-relativistic speed ?
Maximum Non-Relativistic Speed
Click For Summary
Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around defining a typical or maximum non-relativistic speed, particularly in the context of when relativistic effects become significant. Participants explore the implications of speed on Newtonian calculations and the relationship between speed and relativistic effects in various scenarios.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- One participant questions what is meant by "maximum" non-relativistic speed, suggesting it depends on the acceptable error in Newtonian calculations.
- Another participant proposes a general cutoff of 0.14c, indicating that this speed results in a 1% time dilation, which could be considered a threshold for non-relativistic speeds.
- A different participant mentions that electrons in a metal wire travel at a few mm/s, hinting at the practical implications of speed in everyday contexts.
- Some participants introduce humor regarding speed limits in everyday life, while also alluding to the relativistic effects associated with electric charges and current.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
There is no consensus on a specific maximum non-relativistic speed, as participants present varying perspectives and thresholds based on different contexts and interpretations of relativistic effects.
Contextual Notes
The discussion lacks specific definitions of error tolerance and does not resolve the implications of relativistic effects in various applications.
- #2
JesseM
Science Advisor
- 8,519
- 17
You mean, before the effects of relativity become significant? I guess it depends how much error you're willing to accept in the Newtonian calculation. If you give a specific example of a case where relativity's prediction about something would be different from the Newtonian prediction, someone can give you the amount the two predictions would be different as a function of speed.
- #3
Dale
Mentor
- 36,801
- 15,758
With no additional information about the error tolerance or the exact application, I would would use .14c as a general cutoff. That gives you a 1% time dilation.
- #4
lightarrow
- 1,966
- 64
Electrons in a metal wire travel at a few mm/s...touqra said:
Edit: ...and you know that magnetic field that current generate is due to a relativistic effect of electric field.
- #5
belliott4488
- 661
- 1
Well, I'm limited to 55 mph where I live, but I confess that I sometimes exceed that limit ... 
- #6
lightarrow
- 1,966
- 64
So, be careful not to be electrically charged, or you have to say you are going at relativistic speedsbelliott4488 said:Well, I'm limited to 55 mph where I live, but I confess that I sometimes exceed that limit ...
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