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submitted 11 months ago by TheGuyTM3@lemmy.ml to c/asklemmy@lemmy.ml

It can look dumb, but I always had this question as a kid, what physical principles would prevent this?

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[-] tkk13909@sopuli.xyz 248 points 11 months ago* (last edited 11 months ago)

The problem is that when you push an object, the push happens at the speed of sound in that object. It's very fast but not anywhere near the speed of light. If you tapped one end of the stick, you would hear it on the moon after the wave had traveled the distance.

For example, the speed of sound in wood is around 3,300 m/s so 384,400/3,300 ~= 32.36 hours to see the pole move on the moon after you tap it on earth.

[-] TheGuyTM3@lemmy.ml 37 points 11 months ago

Damn, so that means no FTL communication for now... ๐Ÿ˜…

[-] sbv@sh.itjust.works 30 points 11 months ago

Hear me out... What about a metal stick?

[-] DemBoSain@midwest.social 22 points 11 months ago

Metal is a lot heavier than wood. You'd never be able to lift it to the moon.

[-] ChanchoManco@lemm.ee 17 points 11 months ago

But can you lift it from the moon? Gravity is a lot lower there.

[-] HaveYouPaidYourDues@lemmy.world 15 points 11 months ago

Large if factual

[-] FooBarrington@lemmy.world 8 points 11 months ago

You should make it out of feathers. Steel is heavier than feathers.

[-] ech@lemm.ee 7 points 11 months ago

NASA: "Hold my beaker."

[-] Klear@lemmy.world 5 points 11 months ago
[-] tkk13909@sopuli.xyz 14 points 11 months ago
[-] racketlauncher831@lemmy.ml 1 points 11 months ago
[-] tkk13909@sopuli.xyz 1 points 11 months ago

Hold on, let me check. I don't think so

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this post was submitted on 11 Feb 2025
522 points (94.2% liked)

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