We can travel faster that light?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of traveling faster than light, exploring ideas related to Einstein's theory of special relativity, the nature of spacetime, and the implications of high-speed travel on the perception of light. Participants engage with theoretical questions and hypothetical scenarios, particularly focusing on the relationship between space and time.

Discussion Character

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

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the idea that the relationship between "traveling through space" and "traveling through time" is a constant, prompting a discussion on the nature of spacetime.
  • Another participant references the equation ds²=ct²-x² to clarify that while space and time are relative, the spacetime interval is constant for one spatial dimension.
  • A younger participant expresses curiosity about the implications of traveling near the speed of light, particularly regarding how light behaves in relation to both the traveler and an observer on the ground.
  • There is a request for a logical explanation of how light from a fast-moving vehicle is perceived by both the driver and an external observer, indicating a desire for clarification on relativistic effects.
  • One participant suggests starting with the FAQs for foundational understanding, implying that there may be gaps in knowledge among some contributors.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the nature of spacetime and the implications of traveling at or near the speed of light. Multiple competing views and questions remain unresolved.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in understanding the mathematical formulations of relativity, and assumptions about the nature of light and speed are not fully explored. The discussion reflects varying levels of familiarity with the concepts involved.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals curious about the implications of special relativity, those exploring theoretical physics, and learners seeking clarification on complex concepts related to time and space.

Bonoman
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I'm not native English speaker so some words or phrases I say maysound strange and awkward but I hope you could get over it...according to Einsteins special theory of relativity space is relative, tiem is relative but spacetime is constant...lets say that you're traveling constant is 300 000...so if you're traveling at 1 unit through space you'll be traveling 300 000 units trough time...if you're traveling 150 000 units trough space you'll be traveling 2 units trough time...if you're traveling 300 000 units trough space you'll be traveling 1 unit trough time and let's say that that is speed of light...but why couldn't you travel at 600 000 units trough space and 0.5 units trough time? wouldn't that be more than speed of light trough space? or something even better...why couldn't we absolutely stop traveling trough space and than go trough time at infinite speed?
 
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Where did you get the idea that the product of "traveling through space" and "traveling through time" is a constant?
 
I tought that Einstein told in theory of special relativity that space is relative, time is relative but spacetime is constant?
 
t is relative, x is relative, but ds^2=ct^2-x^2 is constant (for 1 spatial dimension).
 
Oh, thanks, I'm not physician yet, I'm only 14 xDD, so I never got to that equotation that you wrote, but I really like reading about quantum physics and things like thgat, I read Brian Greene's The fabric of the Cosmos few times and I found it actually quite easy to understand and to read...at least understandable things xDD...
I've got to one more question...lets imagine that some dude buys himself a ultra fast car, that can go near the speed of light...car like any other has lights and he turns them on...Einstein told that he will see light going at the speed of light in relation to him, but let's say that his GF is looking at him, but she is standing outside the car, she stands still on ground, Einstein told that light from car's lights will go at the speed of light in relation to her, even doe that he is going almost at the speed of light, they meassure the same thing for that light beam (he and light beam are going in same direction)...so can you explain it to me if is there any logical explanation? And do I got it right?
 
It would be a good idea to start by reading the FAQs at the beginning of the section.
 

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