What Happens to a Pole Spinning Near Light Speed?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the hypothetical scenario of a long pole spinning at high velocities, particularly as it approaches the speed of light. Participants explore the implications of relativistic effects on the pole's structure and behavior as it extends outward from the rotation's origin.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes a scenario involving an extremely long pole and questions what happens as its particles approach the speed of light.
  • Another participant asserts that the concept of a perfectly rigid pole is flawed, suggesting that such a scenario is unrealistic.
  • A third participant references a FAQ entry related to the topic, implying that similar questions have been addressed previously.
  • One participant suggests that the pole would break as it spins faster, although this claim is not universally accepted.
  • A later reply expresses a dismissive attitude towards the initial question, indicating a lack of understanding or awareness of the underlying issues.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally disagree on the feasibility of the scenario involving a rigid pole and the consequences of spinning at relativistic speeds. There is no consensus on the outcome of the pole's behavior.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the assumption of rigidity in the pole, which is challenged by participants. The discussion also relies on interpretations of relativistic physics that may not be universally accepted.

AbyssalVortex
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Ok. I got this today from looking at a crane spinning around.

What if you had an extremely long pole, huge order of magnitude, and you spin it. As you go outward, the velocity of the particles of the pole increase. As this velocity nears c, what happens to the pole as you keep going further away from the origin of rotation?
 
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Doesn't work. There is no such thing as a pole that is as rigid as you are thinking of. This question in one form or another is asked here every few months. Do a forum search for "rigid body"
 
Last edited:
What Phinds said. Also, there's an entry in the FAQ at the top of this forum: https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=536289
 
Last edited by a moderator:
AbyssalVortex said:
As this velocity nears c, what happens to the pole as you keep going further away from the origin of rotation?
It breaks.
 
Ha, wow, can you say oblivious. Thanks phinds and Nugatory.
 

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