Transformation of velocity exceeding light speed

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the transformation of velocities that exceed the speed of light, particularly in the context of Lorentz transformations and the velocity addition formula. Participants explore the implications of applying these transformations to hypothetical velocities and the behavior of wave functions in different inertial reference frames (IRFs).

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes that the transformation formula for velocity is valid even for hypothetical velocities, suggesting that it can describe changes in synchronicity when velocities approach infinity.
  • Another participant challenges this by stating that velocity is defined as a derivative (dx/dt) and not merely a ratio of differences, arguing that Lorentz transformations are only valid for velocities less than the speed of light.
  • A later post discusses the transformation of stationary waves into moving IRFs, indicating that the velocity addition rule appears to hold even for velocities exceeding c, raising questions about the applicability of the rule in such cases.
  • One participant asserts that the velocity addition rule cannot apply to velocities exceeding c, reiterating their previous explanation.
  • Another participant attempts to demonstrate that the transformation of two events in different IRFs can yield results consistent with the velocity addition rule, regardless of the interval type (time-like, space-like, or null).
  • Participants express differing views on whether extraordinary velocities can be treated similarly to ordinary velocities under the transformation formulas.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants exhibit disagreement regarding the validity of applying Lorentz transformations and the velocity addition rule to velocities exceeding the speed of light. No consensus is reached on whether such transformations can be applied in these scenarios.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the dependence on the definitions of velocity and the conditions under which Lorentz transformations are valid. The discussion does not resolve the mathematical implications of applying these transformations to hypothetical or extraordinary velocities.

sweet springs
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In discussion with my friend, we reached a conclusion that transformation formula of velosity v to another IFR moving V, i.e.
v'=\frac{v+V}{1+vV/c^2}
is valid even if v is hypothetical velocity,i,e,
v=\frac{x_2-x_1}{t_2-t_1}
v'=\frac{x'_2-x'_1}{t'_2-t'_1}
where interval of ##(t_1,x_1)\rightarrow (t'_1,x'_1)## and ##(t_2,x_2)\rightarrow (t_2',x_2')## are time-like, space-lile, null, it doen't matter.
For example when ##t_2-t_1=0## ,##v=\pm \infty## is trandformed to
\pm \infty \rightarrow \frac{\pm \infty + V}{1+\pm \infty V/c^2}=\frac{c^2}{V}
Of course it is over c but it seems to work describing change of synchronicity.
I have never thought of such an application of the law so appreciate your comment whether it is OK or No Good.
 
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sweet springs said:
i,e,

$$
v=\frac{x_2-x_1}{t_2-t_1}
$$
$$
v'=\frac{x'_2-x'_1}{t'_2-t'_1}
$$

where interval of ##(t_1,x_1)\rightarrow (t'_1,x'_1)## and ##(t_2,x_2)\rightarrow (t_2',x_2')## are time-like, space-lile, null, it doen't matter.

There are two problems here. First, "velocity" is ##dx / dt##, not ##(x_2 - x_1) / (t_2 - t_1)##. It's a derivative, not a ratio.

Second, the Lorentz transformation, which is where you're getting all this from, is only valid if ##dx / dt < 1## (or ##c## in conventional units). There is no such thing as a Lorentz transformation with ##v \ge 1##, because there is no such thing as an inertial frame with a null or spacelike "time axis".
 
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Thanks. I will give some more details of the discussion.

----------------------
A stationary wave
\Psi/A=sin[\omega t]sin[k z]=\frac{1}{2} cos[kz-\omega t]-\frac{1}{2} cos[-kz-\omega t]
is transfomed to moving IFR of velocity v in z direction
\Psi/A=\Psi&#039;/A&#039;= sin[\omega \gamma (t&#039;+vz&#039;/c^2)]sin[k \gamma(z&#039;+vt&#039;)]=\frac{1}{2} cos[\gamma(k-\omega v/c^2)z&#039;-\gamma(\omega-kv)t&#039;]-\frac{1}{2} cos[-\gamma(k+\omega v/c^2)z&#039;-\gamma(\omega+kv)t&#039;]
where
dispersion relation \omega=u k,
for a wave going out
\omega&#039;_1=\gamma(\omega-kv)
k&#039;_1=\gamma(k-\omega v/c^2) 
for a wave coming in
\omega&#039;_2=\gamma(\omega+kv)
k&#039;_2=-\gamma(k+\omega v/c^2)
-------------------

We can easily confirm that velocity ##\omega'_1/k'_1## ##\omega'_2/k'_2## follow the addition rule.
Furthermore as for ##sin[\omega t]## where ##sin[0\cdot z + \omega t]## means velocity ##-\omega/0=\pm\infty## ,and ##sin[\omega \gamma (t'+vz'/c^2)]## where velocity is ##c^2/v > c##, these "velocities" seem satisfying the addition rule as mentioned in OP.
Is the velocity addition rule applicable also for such velocities exceeding c?

More clearly, as for the formula
x&#039;=\frac{x+V}{1+xV/c^2}
where x' is a quantity in moving IFR by velocity V, which corresponds to x in the original IFR, it is sure that this formula stands for x of ordinary velocity <c so this formula becomes the velocity addition rule in that case.
I am suggested that this formula also stands for x of extraordinary velocities exceeding c or even infinity as exemplified above. Is it all right?

PS The formula suggest that in all the IFRs, -c< ordinary speed <c and |extraordinary speed |>c . They are in the different regions and no contamination take place.
 
Last edited:
sweet springs said:
Is the velocity addition rule applicable also for such velocities exceeding c?

I've already answered this--the answer is no--and explained why.
 
PeterDonis said:
There are two problems here. First, "velocity" is dx/dt, not (x2−x1)/(t2−t1). It's a derivative, not a ratio.

As for the ratio , say, two events
A(t_A,z_A),B(t_B,z_A) be expressed as A(t&#039;_A,z&#039;_A),B(t&#039;_B,z&#039;_A) in change of IFRs where
t&#039;_A=\gamma(t_A+Vz_A/c^2), z&#039;_A=\gamma(z_A+Vt_A)
t&#039;_B=\gamma(t_B+Vz_B/c^2), z&#039;_B=\gamma(z_B+Vt_B)
Let us see how the ratio would be transformed
\frac{z&#039;_B-z&#039;_A}{t&#039;_B-t&#039;_A}=\frac{\gamma(z_B-z_A)+\gamma V(t_B-t_A)}{\gamma(t_B-t_A)+\gamma V(z_A-z_B)/c^2}=\frac{\frac{z_B-z_A}{t_B-t_A}+V}{1+V/c^2 \frac{z_B-z_A}{t_B-t_A}}
It is same as the velocity addition rule. There is no condition put between A and B, e.g. interval is time-like, space-like or null.

This includes the case if we take both A and B is on the same world line and very close to infinity zero then the ratio turns out to be velocity dz/dt.
 
Last edited:
sweet springs said:
There is no condition put between A and B, e.g. interval is time-like, space-like or null.

You are incorrect. The transformation you are using is a Lorentz transformation, which is only valid if the relative velocity is less than the speed of light. I have already explained why.

Since your question has been answered and you are simply repeating incorrect statements at this point, this thread is closed.
 

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