Question: Two cards have straight edges. Suppose that the top edge of one card crosses the bottom edge of another card at a small angle, as

Two cards have straight edges. Suppose that the top edge of one card crosses the bottom edge of another card at a small angle, as in Figure Q39.18a. A person slides the cards together at a moderately high speed. In what direction does the intersection point of the edges move? Show that it can move at a speed greater than the speed of light. A small flashlight is suspended in a horizontal plane and set into rapid rotation. Show that the spot of light it produces on a distant screen can move across the screen at a speed greater than the speed of light. (If you use a laser pointer, as in Figure Q39.18b, make sure the direct laser light cannot enter a person€™s eyes.) Argue that these experiments do not invalidate the principle that no material, no energy, and no information can move faster than light moves in a vacuum.


Two cards have straight edges. Suppose that the top edge

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