What happens when you go faster then speed light

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the phenomenon of Cerenkov Radiation, specifically addressing the conditions under which particles travel faster than the speed of light in a medium and the resulting blue light emission. Participants explore the underlying reasons for this effect and seek clarification on its implications.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants mention that high-velocity particles create a blue flash known as Cerenkov Radiation when they exceed the speed of light in a medium.
  • One participant suggests that the blue light is emitted due to the particle decelerating and losing energy during this process.
  • Another participant requests further explanation about the process behind Cerenkov Radiation.
  • Links to external resources are provided for additional context and information.
  • One participant expresses curiosity about the topic without posing a specific question.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no clear consensus on the explanation of Cerenkov Radiation, as participants are still seeking clarification and further details about the phenomenon.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the nature of light emission and the conditions for Cerenkov Radiation remain unaddressed, and the discussion does not resolve the complexities involved in the phenomenon.

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http://www.physlink.com/Education/AskExperts/ae219.cfm
When high velocity particles travel faster than the speed of light in a medium they create a blue flash. This is called Cerenkov Radiation, why does this happen and why is it blue?
 
Science news on Phys.org
Do you have a question about it?
 
If you want us to answer the question, it happens because the particle is decelerating, and the blue light you see is the light emitted from the energy lost in this process.
 
abszero said:
If you want us to answer the question, it happens because the particle is decelerating, and the blue light you see is the light emitted from the energy lost in this process.
To abszero Could you explain more about this process ?
 
No I just thought interesting
 

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