2006-08-13 11:17:24 · 11 answers · asked by burly 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Well, since speed is distance/time if the distance could be shortened, such as through warping space as theorized in singularity models, then distance could be drastically shortened, therefore apparent speed would increase, perhaps even faster than light traveling the linear route.
2006-08-13 11:24:41 · answer #1 · answered by Mr. Rourke 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The theory that nothing can travel faster than the speed of light is based upon Einstien's proposal that the speed of light is not relative. Apparently, according to the aforementioned, the speed of light, c, is a constant, and it does not matter what plane of reference you are in. As such, many theories branch out of this, including time dilation, length contraction, and mass increase. When all of these theories come together, it is found that one cannot achieve light speed (c) as their mass would theoretically be infinate and their length non-existant. You will have to read up on these theories seperately. Mostly, it defines that it would take an infinate amount of energy to travel at the speed of light, which can never be procured.
HOWEVER, this is all based on the single theory that light speed is constant, whilst all other speeds are relative. This theory is 'dumb' because why should physics change just for light? Light speed is achievable, yes, it takes a lot of energy, but it can be surpassed.
2006-08-13 18:35:25 · answer #2 · answered by Paul W 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Loads of them.
Warp space so that you go from A to B faster than light which has to take a longer path.
Use a blackhole
Use a wormhole
Use Hyperspace, ie jump out of space/time here and jump back somewhere else.
Instantaneous teleportation.
Infinite improbability drive
Tachyon Drive
AND MANY MORE
No one however knows if any of these would work, or how they would be powered.
The problem is to avoid the physical distortion predicted by Physics when you approach the speed of light, to avoid the problem of the break down in causality implied by faster than light travel and to find the huge amounts of energy that would probably be required.
2006-08-13 18:42:46 · answer #3 · answered by hi_patia 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The eerie greenish-blue hue that glows in the cooling pond of a nuclear waste dump is caused by emmited particles which are traveling faster than light - faster than light travels in water, that is. Therefore, if we could theoritically travel in a different medium that impedes the light's speed, we could outpace the light. Makes sense to me.
2006-08-13 20:51:21 · answer #4 · answered by LeAnne 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you change the density of space you then change the speed of light. So you could then race a beam of light in a different medium and in theory you could win the race (come out ahead). So, in a way, you were going faster than light in space. Same thing you see in water - the light bends because it changes speed.
Or you could hope for some sort of subspace, worm holes, etc
Or piss off your wife and hope she kicks you hard enough....
2006-08-13 18:26:17 · answer #5 · answered by Dr Dan 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There is a theoretical particle (called a 'tachyon') that cannot travel slower than light. In theory, as it travels faster and faster, it actually *loses* energy.
But nobody has ever 'seen' one of them in any lab experiment thus far.
Doug
2006-08-13 20:37:29 · answer #6 · answered by doug_donaghue 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe gravity is faster than light so maybe the light speed limit is not as absolute as supposed.
2006-08-13 18:21:28 · answer #7 · answered by Kirk M 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Call Wild E. Cyote he always comes up with something! 1-800-crunch :)
2006-08-13 18:24:35 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hey thats time traveling
2006-08-13 18:34:33 · answer #9 · answered by pat 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes get a millennium falcon and dust a couple of ties its the easiest way to go lightspeed
2006-08-13 18:22:01 · answer #10 · answered by drewiage20 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋