Travelling faster than the speed of light - SR

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the implications of traveling at relativistic speeds, particularly in the context of special relativity (SR). Participants explore concepts such as velocity addition, time dilation, and the optimization of travel time from different reference frames.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes a scenario involving traveling at 0.75c and questions the implications of adding velocities in SR, suggesting a misunderstanding of how velocities combine in relativistic physics.
  • Another participant corrects the initial claim about velocity addition, stating that the correct formula yields a speed of 0.96c instead of exceeding the speed of light.
  • There is a discussion about the concept of absolute velocity and frames of reference, with one participant asserting that velocity is always relative to a chosen reference point.
  • A participant proposes a method to find the optimum speed for travel between two points, suggesting that around 0.707c minimizes travel time from an observer's perspective.
  • Another participant challenges this claim, arguing that there is no optimum speed since the fastest possible speed minimizes travel time regardless of time dilation effects.
  • Further clarification is sought regarding the relationship between the observer's time and the rocket's time, with participants discussing the implications of time dilation on perceived travel times.
  • There is confusion about the correct application of time dilation formulas, with participants attempting to clarify the relationship between distances, velocities, and time in different reference frames.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the concept of optimum travel speed and the implications of time dilation. While some agree on the necessity of considering both observer and rocket reference frames, no consensus is reached regarding the specific optimum speed or the interpretation of time dilation effects.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference various formulas related to time dilation and velocity addition, but there are unresolved misunderstandings regarding their application and implications. The discussion highlights the complexity of relativistic physics and the challenges in reconciling different frames of reference.

  • #31
which once graphed, shows that optimum time is to go as fast as possible.
 
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  • #32
is this correct?
No.

You can use Earth distance D, then
t=D/v
t'=t/γ.

Or you use spaceship distance D', then
D'=D/γ
t'=D'/v
t=t' γ.

Either way, t'=(D/v)/γ.
 

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