MadSci Network: Physics
Query:

Subject: Would a time traveller create a massive explosion?

Date: Thu Jul 15 08:23:35 2004
Posted by Markus
Grade level: grad (non-science) School: None
City: Melbourne State/Province: VIC Country: Australia
Area of science: Physics
ID: 1089897815.Ph
Message:

It's an interesting concept, and I would love someone to either correct my 
logic or confirm my suspicions.

So - say I went back in time. From the point of view of the people I suddenly 
appear in front of, I will materialize instentaneously. 

It's the instentaneous nature of this 'arrival' that concerns me.

By suddenly appearing I would displace the same volume of air as my body 
normally inhabits. This would happen in an infinitely small period of time and 
would seem, at the very least, to create a shockwave emanating outwards from 
the source.

I don't know much about the physics of explosions, but I imagine that the size 
of a 'normal' explosion would depend upon how quickly the air is displaced, and 
by how far. I imagine the compressible nature of air also determines how far 
the blast radus extends.

Now although the air is only being displaced, say 30cm in any one direction, if 
it's happening in an INFINITELY small amount of time, doesn't that then create 
an explosion of INFINITE SIZE?

And if that's true, then the first Time Traveller would create another Big 
Bang, as thats the only other explosion I'm aware of that is infinite in size.

Thanks


Re: Would a time traveller create a massive explosion?

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