Is there anything faster than Light in terms of speed? (mph)?

Answer 1

As Sir Einstein found a factor =

root<1-(v2/c2)>

Here, if v > c then it is clear that the result will be an imaginary decimal number which is INVALID for this case. Hence, shows velocity greater than that of light is not allowed or DON't exists.

Answer 2

no.
the speed of light is defined as the speed limit for the universe.
the existence of a particle that could travel faster than this speed would have an enormous effect on many laws of physics, especially those concerning relativity. Many calculations involving speeds equal to the speed of light yield infinite results, where speeds greater than the speed of light yield imaginary results, as the lorentz factor sqrt(1-(v^2/c^2)) is the square root of a negative number for v > c


Hypothetical particles such as the tachyon in string theory are said to travel faster than light, but obviously there is no experimental evidence.

I think most people view it as a speed we cannot surpass.

Answer 3

There is an element of quantum physics that describes "entangled" particles (two particles emitted form a single source event) that are somehow "linked" such that the two particles (no matter how far apart they happen to be in the universe) act as a single particle unit. What affects one entangled particle of the entangled pair is felt "instantly" by the other entangled particle. This linkages happens much faster than light speed. This appears to be a one dimensional effect and cannot convey intelligent information unless a feedback system, of a classical nature, is incorporated into the entanglement to bring it into the rim of light speed.

See: Laser emits linked photons
http://www.trnmag.com/Stories/2001/110701/Laser_emits_linked_photons_110701.html

Answer 4

It depends on what you mean by a "thing."

You cannot transmit energy or matter or information from one place to another at a speed faster than light (according to current theory).

However, by stretching space, you can cause the distance between two objects to increase at a rate faster than the speed of light. For example, there are some 1,000 catalogued galaxies that are receding from us at speeds faster than light. This is because of the stretching of space between us and them, which is not limited to lightspeed. (See the Scientific American article here: http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?articleID=0009F0CA-C523-1213-852383414B7F0147 )

Also, a "thing" can travel through space at faster than lightspeed as long as it does not carry any energy or matter or information. For a simple example, suppose you (on earth) have a very strong laser pointer that you are pointing at the moon, so it makes a spot of light on the lunar surface. Now wave the pointer very fast, and the spot of light zips from one point to another on the surface. If you move your pointer at a rate faster than about 45 degrees per second (easily achievable), then the spot will move along the lunar surface at a speed faster than the speed of light. (Of course the catch is, there is no way to use that spot to transfer a signal from point "a" to point "b" on the moon's surface.)

Answer 5

A space-time is likely where the speed of light is the lower limit of speed. But yes, it has not been established as yet.

Answer 6

On the border between France and Switzerland, they are building a huge 17 mile-diameter dome which will allow scientists to accelerate particles at about 99.99999... times the speed of light. (they want to record the existence of the Higgs Boson-google it). That is definitely going to be the fastest particle ever accelerated, whatever kind of particle it is. (Research Higgs boson, and you'll get the particle. Man that's fast!)

Answer 7

I agree with the first guy, man has not as of yet discovered anything faster than light

Answer 8

Theoretically there are Tachyons...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tachyon

and theres String Theory...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/String_theory

This story is interesting as well...

http://www.propeller.com/viewstory/2007/10/05/einsteins-theory-of-relativity-might-be-introuble/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tagsome.com%2Fnews%2F1165%2FHigh-Energy-Gamma-Rays-Go-Slower-Than-the-Speed-of-Light&frame=true

Answer 9

there may be, but we wouldn't be able to find out right now because we cant even really track light.

Answer 10

Not that we know of at this time.