Change in position/t greater than speed of light?

In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of traveling further in distance over a unit time than the speed of light allows. The response explains that according to relativity, the formula (u+v)/(1+uv/c2) must be used for calculating velocities, and it guarantees that the speed of light cannot be exceeded. It is concluded that it is not possible to travel faster than the speed of light.
  • #1
howabout1337
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Is it possible to travel further in distance (position 2 - position 1) over a unit time more than that of traveling at the speed of light? This is not wormhole, or anything that sort, just change in position.

I am coming from the fact that a moving particle can exist on a moving object.
 
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  • #2
Same answer as in your previous thread:

Now, relativity says you must use the formula (u+v)/(1+uv/c2)
.
If an object is moving with velocity u, and carrying a moving object whose velocity is v, you don't simply add u + v. The relativistic law of velocity composition guarantees that the speed of light cannot be exceeded.
 
  • #3
howabout1337 said:
Is it possible to travel further in distance (position 2 - position 1) over a unit time more than that of traveling at the speed of light?
The short answer is "No". Bill_K showed why above. Look at the formula he posted. If u and v are both less than c then the result is always less than c. If either u or v is c then the result is c, regardless of what the other one is.
 

FAQ: Change in position/t greater than speed of light?

What is the theory of relativity and how does it relate to the speed of light?

The theory of relativity, proposed by Albert Einstein, states that the laws of physics are the same for all observers in uniform motion. This means that the speed of light is constant for all observers, regardless of their relative motion. This is known as the speed limit of the universe and cannot be exceeded.

Why is it impossible for anything to travel faster than the speed of light?

The speed of light is the maximum speed at which energy, information, or matter can travel through space. This is because as an object approaches the speed of light, its mass increases infinitely, requiring an infinite amount of energy to continue accelerating. This means that it is physically impossible for anything to travel faster than the speed of light.

Are there any exceptions to the speed of light limit?

No, there are no known exceptions to the speed of light limit. Even particles that are thought to travel faster than light, such as neutrinos, have been found to either have a lower speed than light or to be traveling at the speed of light.

What is the significance of the speed of light in our understanding of the universe?

The speed of light serves as a fundamental constant in physics and plays a crucial role in many theories and equations, including the theory of relativity. It also helps us understand the vastness of the universe and the limitations of our ability to observe and measure it.

Can the speed of light ever change?

According to our current understanding of physics, the speed of light is a constant and cannot be changed. However, there are some theories that suggest it may have been different in the early universe, and some experiments are being conducted to test this possibility. But for now, the speed of light remains a constant and unchangeable value.

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