They can't get particles to move at light speed because, according to relativity, they would be infinitly massive.
2006-10-27 12:39:17 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Neutrons can be accellarated if they make up the other half of an alpha particle. I know that objects shrink in the direction of motion in demension, not mass. I was wondering if there was a theory about how large they would be at 99% of the speed for example.
2006-11-03 01:57:32 · update #1
No, however they do produce several new particles of various size when they collide
2006-10-27 12:41:31 · answer #1 · answered by Super Cleat 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is a really good question with a really complex answer. We know protons (and other particles) get more massive as they approach light speed. But to my knowledge, no one has ever measured a proton's dimensions during acceleration. [See source.]
The same relativistic effects that cause mass to increase (as seen by an outside observer) also cause the mass to shrink in the direction of the velocity. So, again to an outside observer, the proton should be getting thinner as seen from its side (perpendicular to the dirction of the velocity). But I don't think this has actually been observered.
2006-10-27 20:09:24 · answer #2 · answered by oldprof 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
neutrons cannot be accelerated - they have no electric charge. protons grow more massive when accelerated, but they don't grow in volume, i think.
eyeonthescreens has mistaken - the dimension not mass shrinks
2006-10-27 19:48:22 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
no
2006-10-27 20:10:31 · answer #4 · answered by Dave R 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋