Suppose a particle is travelling with a velocity v. Can a component of this velocity(let's say the y-component) be greater than the speed of light c?
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5$\begingroup$ no, because then the total speed would be greater than c. $\endgroup$– BobCommented Jun 30, 2017 at 13:49
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$\begingroup$ It is trivial that since the norm of the velocity can't be greater than the speed of light, none of its component can be. Do you have any other confusion or a paradox that leads you to investigate this question? $\endgroup$– user87745Commented Jun 30, 2017 at 13:57
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$\begingroup$ Well, I was studying superluminal motion from Wikipedia. There is a concept where the apparent velocity was greater than the speed of light. I got confused between that and component of a velocity. Here's the link: - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superluminal_motion $\endgroup$– Dark VaderCommented Jun 30, 2017 at 15:29
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No, because the total magnitude of the speed vector may not exceed the speed of light, and it is itself greater than the absolute value any of its component :
$$\vec{v}=$\begin{bmatrix}x\\y\\z\end{bmatrix} $$
Since:
$|x|=\sqrt{x^2}\le\sqrt{x^2+y^2+z^2}=||\vec{v}||$
Physically, the norm may not exceed the speed of light $c$: $$||\vec{v}||<c$$
Therefore $|x|<c$, $|y|<c$ and $|z|<c$
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$\begingroup$ Well, I was studying superluminal motion from Wikipedia. There is a concept where the apparent velocity was greater than the speed of light. I got confused between that and component of a velocity. Here's the link: - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superluminal_motion It would be helpful if we can clear this doubt. $\endgroup$ Commented Jun 30, 2017 at 15:36
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$\begingroup$ @QuamosM87 Those are indeed distinct questions. It looks like a good Stack Overflow question, as well. Why don't you post a new one/search for an existing one? $\endgroup$– MrBrushyCommented Jul 5, 2017 at 11:47