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| Thread ID: 101245 | 2009-07-06 10:19:00 | Physics Question | Adamnz (12260) | PC World Chat |
| Post ID | Timestamp | Content | User | ||
| 789531 | 2009-07-06 10:19:00 | Hi all, an idea just came into my head and I cannot figure out the answer: Assume a pole sitting in space. The pole is one light year long. There are two people standing at either end of the pole, one shines a torch at the other, the light from that torch would take 1 year to reach the other person. Now what happens if one of the people pushes the pole slightly, would the movement be transferred instantly to the other end? |
Adamnz (12260) | ||
| 789532 | 2009-07-06 10:23:00 | I'd say no. As an example, take a small chain about a metre or so in length. Now lay it on the floor and with one end, wriggle it left and right. Watch as the other end takes time to move left, then right. |
bob_doe_nz (92) | ||
| 789533 | 2009-07-06 10:26:00 | A chain is not rigid, the material I'm talking about is. | Adamnz (12260) | ||
| 789534 | 2009-07-06 10:28:00 | Interesting. I'd say yes. |
Metla (12) | ||
| 789535 | 2009-07-06 10:34:00 | So would I. I'd also say who thinks of these things!? | pine-o-cleen (2955) | ||
| 789536 | 2009-07-06 10:35:00 | A chain is not rigid, the material I'm talking about is. Ahh. Right. I'm still saying no. |
bob_doe_nz (92) | ||
| 789537 | 2009-07-06 10:55:00 | Depending how you time it, it would be relatively instant. ;) And if it wasn't - how would you know? |
R2x1 (4628) | ||
| 789538 | 2009-07-06 10:56:00 | I'd say no. Plenty of ideas if you google this same question though ... |
Jen (38) | ||
| 789539 | 2009-07-06 11:00:00 | I'd say you can't really be sure until you try it out | Ofthesea (14129) | ||
| 789540 | 2009-07-06 11:18:00 | I'd say yes. | beeswax34 (63) | ||
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