I'm not sure about this.
If the rod is rigid, and a code is sent down it in morse, the code will arrive instantanly at the other end, at the rate it was sent. If at the same time, an identical code was tapped out, at the same rate, on an aldis lamp, and observed from the end of the rod, it would arrive later than the rod's message.

The whole packet of data would have travelled fater than light.

What do you think?
( Bartleby A dead man on vacation, Thu 27 May 2010, 7:37, 1 reply, 16 years ago)

That's two separate definitions of 'transmission' though isn't it?
In one you're using the relationship and forces between atoms to relay data physically, in the other you're using electromagnetic waves.
( Noeli overtheshoulderboulderholderthingstraplatchboobs, Thu 27 May 2010, 8:00, Reply)

Yes, but the medium isn't the issue, the timing of the message is.
Anyway, its all theoretical bollocks. If I had an aldis lamp that worked at that distance it would have the power of a death star.

Now that would be worthwhile.
( Bartleby A dead man on vacation, Thu 27 May 2010, 8:08, Reply)

Actually, further to this
of course the nuclear forces holding atoms together cannot travel faster than light either, so the information would take the same time or fractionally less than an electromagnetic transmission anyway. Edit: and that's exactly what K2 said down there. Doh.
( Noeli overtheshoulderboulderholderthingstraplatchboobs, Thu 27 May 2010, 8:34, Reply)