Universal Journal of Physics and Application Vol. 17(1), pp. 1 - 7
DOI: 10.13189/ujpa.2023.170101
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Tachyons, the Four-Momentum Formalism and Simultaneity

G. L. Harnagel ^*
Independent Researcher, USA

ABSTRACT

Since the dawn of relativity in the first two decades of the twentieth century, it has been maintained that faster-than-light (superluminal) motion could produce time travel into the past with its accompanying causality-violating paradoxes; hence, it was concluded that it is impossible to exceed the speed of light. Tachyons, hypothetical particles that always move faster than the speed of light, seem to present serious challenges to our understanding of reality and the mathematics used by physicists to explain it, if they exist. This paper addresses these problems from a classical perspective and presents solutions to the perplexities posed by superluminal motion. Specifically, classical analyses ruling out superluminal motion are shown to be flawed. Thus there are no classically-valid objections to such phenomena. To the contrary, correct analysis leads to the conclusion that tachyons could send signals faster that the speed of light yet not violate causality. There are, however, some limitations to how fast such signals can propagate with respect to the receiver; that is, for one point, they cannot be infinitely fast. For another, they cannot violate the relativity of simultaneity. These are important points since neglecting them has led to the claim that tachyons cannot exist because they produce phenomena that are irreconcilable with reality.

KEYWORDS
Tachyons, Special Relativity, Simultaneity, Causality, Communication

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] G. L. Harnagel , "Tachyons, the Four-Momentum Formalism and Simultaneity," Universal Journal of Physics and Application, Vol. 17, No. 1, pp. 1 - 7, 2023. DOI: 10.13189/ujpa.2023.170101.

(b). APA Format:
G. L. Harnagel (2023). Tachyons, the Four-Momentum Formalism and Simultaneity. Universal Journal of Physics and Application, 17(1), 1 - 7. DOI: 10.13189/ujpa.2023.170101.