if it is, then all matter that travel at speed of light will simply burn out(not all matter)? And i'm talking about here on earth not in space because there's no air out there
2006-12-06 07:04:21 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
There sure is. The space shuttle has special tiles on the leading edges and bottom sides that are capable of handling the intense heat generated by friction by the air. Some jets use titanium leading edges on the wings and tail to withstand the heat from the friction, too. Even the car that you drive has been shaped and optimized to slip through the air with as little friction as possible so that it gets better gas mileage.
2006-12-06 07:08:56 · answer #1 · answered by Ralfcoder 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are correct. No one has ever said that light speed could be possible within our atmosphere. There really would be no need to travel that fast here on earth. Air friction is why the space shuttle and all other spacecraft have a heat shield. If they didn't, they would burn up upon re-entry.
2006-12-06 07:08:45 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A good example is when the space shuttle returns to Earth. The reason they need a heat shield is because of friction with the Earth's atmosphere.
2006-12-06 07:08:03 · answer #3 · answered by Red Wing 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is called skin friction drag. It does not take relativistic speeds to heat things up. The SR-71 had to be built with its panels and parts loose to allow for thermal expansion.
2006-12-06 09:59:29 · answer #4 · answered by Stan the Rocker 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
air resistance is basically created by the rubbing up against air molecules. if you were travelling at the speed of light in an area other than space you would probably disentigrate, or spontaneously combust.
2006-12-06 07:37:38 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Certainly, as any airplane designer is entirely too well aware. And, of course, nothing can travel at the speed of light anywhere -- relativity, you know.
2006-12-06 07:06:51 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, its called air resistance.
Have you ever tried running into a strong wind?
Thats the idea.
2006-12-06 07:07:05 · answer #7 · answered by Matt W 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋