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General Discussion => Science & Nature => Topic started by: GillE on September 22, 2011, 21:05

Title: Faster Than The Speed Of Light
Post by: GillE on September 22, 2011, 21:05

The results have yet to be confirmed independently, but CERN reckons (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/8782895/CERN-scientists-break-the-speed-of-light.html) it has made neutrinos travel faster than the speed of light.

Title: Re: Faster Than The Speed Of Light
Post by: Simon on September 22, 2011, 21:41

The comments seem fairly dismissive.

Title: Re: Faster Than The Speed Of Light
Post by: Clive on September 22, 2011, 22:54

Such particles have been predicted for many years and are known as tachyons.  The fundamental property of tachyons is that they can only travel faster than the speed of light and cannot slow down.  I'm certain Sam can explain it more fully, but meanwhile....

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

Title: Re: Faster Than The Speed Of Light
Post by: sam on September 23, 2011, 07:55

well yeah Tachyons... but still, I'm not sure how you'd detect them. I'm always rather skeptical of this sort of result - I'll have a chat to a few of the particle people I know later...

Title: Re: Faster Than The Speed Of Light
Post by: Clive on September 25, 2011, 21:35

I think everyone is getting a bit skeptical now Sam.  :laugh:  Perhaps they should have waited until they were more certain before making the announcement.   ;)

Title: Re: Faster Than The Speed Of Light
Post by: sam on September 25, 2011, 21:40

oh but that's how particle physics rolls these days. disgraceful really.

Title: Re: Faster Than The Speed Of Light
Post by: GillE on September 25, 2011, 22:22

I like sausage rolls but particle physics rolls smack of a joint venture between Delia Smith, Heston Blumenthal and Brian Cox.  I think I'll wait until Delia brings out her How To Cheat At Particle Physics book.

Title: Re: Faster Than The Speed Of Light
Post by: Rik on September 26, 2011, 10:24

 :laugh:

I prefer Nigella, it's bound to include more chocolate.

Title: Re: Faster Than The Speed Of Light
Post by: Simon on September 26, 2011, 10:34

I just prefer Nigella.  :devil:

Title: Re: Faster Than The Speed Of Light
Post by: Rik on September 26, 2011, 10:35

This is true...