Relative Velocity: Can We Exceed the Speed of Light?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the concept of relative velocity in the context of gravitational forces and the speed of light (c). It establishes that while gravitational acceleration can influence our velocity, it cannot exceed the speed of light due to the fundamental laws of physics. The conversation also highlights that the apparent velocity of distant objects can exceed c due to the expansion of space, emphasizing that all velocities are relative and that light maintains a constant speed regardless of the observer's motion.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of general relativity and its implications on velocity
  • Familiarity with the concept of the speed of light (c) in physics
  • Knowledge of the expansion of the universe and its effects on observable phenomena
  • Basic grasp of relative motion and reference frames in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of general relativity on gravitational acceleration
  • Study the concept of cosmic inflation and its relationship to the observable universe
  • Explore the effects of redshift in relation to distant galaxies and their apparent velocities
  • Learn about the principles of special relativity and how they govern the speed of light
USEFUL FOR

Astronomers, physicists, and students of cosmology who are interested in the dynamics of the universe and the fundamental laws governing motion and light speed.

epkid08
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What is our relative velocity with respect to the largest mass in the universe?

Can this velocity exceed the speed of light, as the force accelerating us is strictly gravitational?

If it's possible, wouldn't us, traveling at or faster than c, be a better reason for why only a fraction of our universe is observable, than the theory that the universe is expanding at or faster than c?
 
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That's a strange question. The distribution of matter in the universe is farily homogenous on the large scale, so it doesn't mean much to ask about "the largest mass in the universe".

In any case, due to the expansion of space, it is possible for us to have an apparent velocity of greater than C wrt very distant objects.

Your last sentence doesn't make much sense either - all velocities are relative, so it typically makes the most sense to consider ourselves stationary and all objects around us to be moving away from us. And remember, regardless of any motion we measure wrt any object, light always travels at C so our visible universe will always be perfectly spherical.
 

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