- #1
David Burke
- 54
- 0
I require help with understanding the velocity of colliding particles along the length of an object under acceleration from a vector force...
Problem: If a rod were constructed with a length of 1 light year and sufficient force were applied at one end to move the rod, it is assumed a pulse of colliding particles would move along the rod causing the rods position to change over time. However, I am unsure of the mechanics of how this occurs. I know that the wave of colliding particles is restricted to a maximum velocity of c; otherwise the rod would be breaking the laws of relativity.
Question: So how fast would this wave travel along the length of the rod and what does this process mean if we consider small objects like a pencil being pushed slowly across a desk? Is the pencil continuously contracting and expanding at the speed of light as a wave of colliding particles moves along its length?
Problem: If a rod were constructed with a length of 1 light year and sufficient force were applied at one end to move the rod, it is assumed a pulse of colliding particles would move along the rod causing the rods position to change over time. However, I am unsure of the mechanics of how this occurs. I know that the wave of colliding particles is restricted to a maximum velocity of c; otherwise the rod would be breaking the laws of relativity.
Question: So how fast would this wave travel along the length of the rod and what does this process mean if we consider small objects like a pencil being pushed slowly across a desk? Is the pencil continuously contracting and expanding at the speed of light as a wave of colliding particles moves along its length?