2006-10-07 18:06:45 · 10 answers · asked by speedy 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Actually physicists are already using these techniques you mentioned to accelerate electrons, protons, and even heavier nuclei's to speed close to the speed of light. However, as these charged particles gets close to the speed of light, they start to emit a certain type of radiation called "Synchrotron radiation". So the energy that they continuously try to apply to speeding up the particles gets losts in the radiation emissions.
Other methods used in speeding up particles in high energy accelerators usually result in the particles getting more and more massive, thus taking more and more energy to increase their velocity. And as the particles get more and more massive, they also start to slow down, so they never get to the speed of light.
2006-10-07 18:33:30 · answer #1 · answered by PhysicsDude 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Lorentzian relativity brings into question the notion that it is absolutely impossible to travel faster than light or at the speed of light. The limit on size of propulsion (thought to be infinite) can be eliminated by using a non local propulsion for a particle. And the idea of Time slowing down to a stop at the speed of light is the real key to special relativity. But in fact time doesn't slow down just the methods of measuring it like clocks. The universe itself does indeed have a universal time constant.
2006-10-07 21:59:15 · answer #2 · answered by joe h 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The problem is where would you get the energy. You also have to realize that it's all relative. See as you approach the speed of light it requires more and more energy to go faster. Remember what the guy with funny hair said. You're only moving relative to earth and the faster you go the slower time goes, but it never entirely stops. Time would just tick away ever increasingly slower and you wouldn't get much faster. The faster you go the more power you need to keep the same rate of accelleration. See you will always get closer to the speed of light, but you can never reach it. Also to accelerate to near the speed of light is really hard on the body. It's impossible the way we understand physics today.
2006-10-07 18:23:03 · answer #3 · answered by To Be Free 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Speed of light travel is theoretically possible with any form of propulsion. Which is most practical, however, is a whole different matter.
2006-10-07 18:16:24 · answer #4 · answered by deregulution 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nothing with mass can travel the same speed as light. No matter how much energy you have (short of an infinate amount) you can't travel the same speed as light. A photon (light partical) is massless, so it is able to travel light speed.
2006-10-07 21:14:40 · answer #5 · answered by QuantumC 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO. in order to have an object travel at the speed of light it would need to have an infinite mass. Closer to the speed of light the more energy needed.
2006-10-07 18:20:24 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It takes infinite energy to accelerate any finite mass to the speed of light regardless of the propulsion method.
2006-10-07 19:54:36 · answer #7 · answered by gp4rts 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the only way to travel at the speed of light is to ride the light itself.
2006-10-07 18:09:16 · answer #8 · answered by Work In Progress 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
travelling in the speed of light is impossible..its just a dream of those who are trying to prove something..
2006-10-07 18:15:07 · answer #9 · answered by zhu 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
that is a thought!
2006-10-07 18:08:03 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋