I think you have to use relativity, because there are 31,536,000 seconds in a year, and g = 10m/s/s, so if you were to use Newtonian equations you'd be going faster than the speed of light (300,000,000 m/s). So how do you do this???
2006-09-14 06:43:08 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
we're assuming g = 10m/s. That way the people on the spaceship could have the same acceleration force that they're accustomed to on earth.
2006-09-14 06:49:29 · update #1
let me also specify that it's an acceleration of 10m/s from the standpoint of the people on the ship.
2006-09-14 06:51:27 · update #2
If you'd like to see a treatise on relativistic velocities (including the term "rapidity" coined for such occasions), go to the web page below.
2006-09-14 06:52:39 · answer #1 · answered by Mr. E 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No one really knows for sure. From the point of view of a stationary observer, mathematically you are correct. However, according the Theory of Relativity, you wouldn't be able to carry enough fuel to to accelerate at that rate even to the speed of light, let alone above it, since it would take an infinite amount of energy to do so.
2006-09-14 15:33:23 · answer #2 · answered by Will 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You would need relativity theory to solve this problem because nothing can exceed the speed of light; by treating this problem with classical mechanics would predict a speed exceeding speed of light--which is definitely wrong. If I had a certain book with me I would give the answer--sorry. I will say this though, you would keep on accelerating at the same rate in your frame of reference; however, to an observer, your rate of acceleration would get slower and slower--never allowing you to reach the speed of light but asymptotically approaching it as time continued.
2006-09-14 14:34:15 · answer #3 · answered by bruinfan 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Hypothatically you are right. Assuming the theory works in all ranges. But to accerate this ship for one year at g needs energy. What are you proposing to apply thet G for one year.
It is impossible for now and for some time to come.
2006-09-14 15:09:54 · answer #4 · answered by Dr M 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yeah you're calculations might be correct,but i don't think it would be possible for one to keep accelerating for one full year at 10m/s/s.because as u keep accelerating your velocity keeps increasing and finally you'll reach a stage after which u wont be able to accelerate,that is what relativity says right.u cannot travel faster than light.
2006-09-14 14:14:50 · answer #5 · answered by sabi 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
there is a catch there...
what is g first of all? g is the gravitional force, right? and it depends on distance from the center of earth.... if you go farther from the center, g decreases.... where on earth or universe will you find a place where g remains constant for you and remains so for months and months of travel (ie. millions and millions of kms?)
got the point?
2006-09-14 13:47:27 · answer #6 · answered by m s 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋