Will Pushing One End of a 2 Light Second Rod Move the Other End?

Thread starter waht
Start date Jul 10, 2005
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Pushing one end of a 2 light-second long metal rod in space will not cause the other end to move after 2 seconds. The movement of the other end is limited by the speed of sound in the material of the rod, which is significantly slower than the speed of light. Therefore, the response at the other end would take much longer than 2 seconds to occur. This highlights the distinction between the speed of light and the speed of sound in solids. The discussion emphasizes the importance of material properties in understanding the transmission of force through objects.

Jul 10, 2005

waht

Let's say you have a metal rod in space that is 2 light seconds long. If you push one end of the rod, would they other end move 2 seconds later?

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Jul 10, 2005

krab

Science Advisor

It would take a LOT longer than that, since the signal could only travel at the speed of sound in the material.

Jul 10, 2005

brewnog

Science Advisor

Gold Member

This question was asked a few days ago:

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=80352

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