StarTalk Radio Things You Thought You Knew – Faster Than Light
46 snips
Jul 15, 2025 Dive into the mysteries of the fourth dimension and the fascinating concept of faster-than-light travel. Explore how world lines illustrate our journey through spacetime and the differences in dimensional perceptions. Theoretical particles called tachyons may challenge what we know about physics. Discover Cherenkov radiation and its relation to sonic booms, as well as the intriguing dynamics of atomic structure, particularly with isotopes like carbon-14 and helium-3. Buckle up for a mind-expanding ride through science and possibilities!
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Understanding Spatial Dimensions
- The concept of dimensions progresses from a single line to higher spatial dimensions.
- A four-dimensional being could see inside three-dimensional bodies without cutting them open.
Time as the Fourth Dimension
- Time acts as the fourth dimension but we are trapped moving only forward.
- If we could move freely through time, we could escape prisons like stepping out of a room.
Flying Cars Use Extra Dimension
- Flying cars add a new spatial dimension to traffic travel.
- Subways and overpasses already use the third dimension to bypass congestion.