Monthly Archives: November 2009

Q: Why is it that when you multiply a positive number with a negative number you get a negative number?

Mathematician: Consider what would happen if when we multiplied a positive number by a negative number we got a positive number. For example, suppose that 3*-5 = 15 rather than the usual 3*5 = 15. Now, if all the other … Continue reading

Posted in -- By the Mathematician, Math, Philosophical | 6 Comments

Q: What is the best way to understand relativity theory? Why is it so counter intuitive?

Physicist: 1) Pictures and math.  2) Work through and understand the “train struck by lightning” and “barn running pole vaulter” thought experiments, to better understand the relationship between space and time.  3) Pick up a book on modern physics and … Continue reading

Posted in -- By the Physicist, Philosophical, Physics, Relativity | 4 Comments

Q: Will we ever go faster than light?

Physicist: Hells no. There are a lot of conclusions you can draw from the theory of special relativity that rule out FTL (faster than light) travel.  From your own point of view you may as well be sitting still (try … Continue reading

Posted in -- By the Physicist, Physics, Relativity | 2 Comments

Q: If you were on a space station, would you be able to tell the difference between centrifugal force and normal gravity?

Physicist: Normal gravity on Earth, , never changes.  However, the acceleration, , due to centrifugal force on the station is given by , where is how fast the station is spinning, and R is the radius of the station.  If … Continue reading

Posted in -- By the Physicist, Physics | 10 Comments

Q: Is teleportation possible?

Physicist: Nope. The best you could hope for is a machine that reads the exact location of every atom in your body, as well as it’s chemical relationship to every nearby atom, then sends that blue print to another machine … Continue reading

Posted in -- By the Physicist, Entropy/Information, Physics, Quantum Theory | 7 Comments

Q: If black holes are “rips” in the fabric of our universe, does it mean they lead to other universes? If so, then did time begin in that universe at the inception of the black hole? Could we be in a black hole?

Physicist: Before answering your question, I’ll waste your time with two quick asides. First: The place where the “ripping” might occur would be at the singularity.  “Singularity” is actually a very general term that roughly means “something goes to infinity … Continue reading

Posted in -- By the Physicist, Astronomy, Philosophical, Physics, Relativity | 22 Comments