assuming that it has got enough fuel..
2007-05-07 20:10:48 · 5 answers · asked by ys_it_is_me 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
If we disregard the gravitational influence of nearby stars and/or planets, and if the spacecraft had an unlimited source of fuel, the only thing to stop if from accelerating continuously would be relativity. Einstein's relativity has shown that the nearer an object gets to the speed of light the more mass it will have, and that means it would take more energy to accelerate it even more. The spacecraft could never reach the speed of light because to do so would require an infinite amount of energy (..all the energy in the universe..) and its mass would be infinite (..all the mass in the universe..)
2007-05-07 20:26:11 · answer #1 · answered by Chug-a-Lug 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
What no one seems to have taken into account is... Space is Not a perfect vacuum. There is still an average of a few hundred thousand atoms of hydrogen (and other elements) per cubic meter in interstellar space. Any craft that continuously accelerates will eventually reach a point where the friction with that minuscule bit of matter will slow its acceleration to the point of nullity.
It was once thought (1960) that a Bussard Ramjet could use the interstellar medium as fuel and thereby continue to accelerate indefinitely. Then some additional studies showed that friction would have an appreciable effect when it reached speeds of 85% light speed.... still quite fast but not fast enough to benefit from the full effect of relativity.
Even later(1985), it was found that bussard ramjets were not feasible... the interstellar medium was less dense than thought and the drag was more than expected.due to the collected propellant.
But I digress... the answer to the question is: a spacecraft will still experience drag... especially at high velocities... so, even if relativity didn't rear its head, the drag of the interstellar medium would act to slow it down.
2007-05-08 03:51:48 · answer #2 · answered by John T 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It Will Accelerate Continuously If It Is Given The Required Accelerating Force Input
2007-05-08 03:30:14 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Nothing whatsoever. However, familiar stars would be replaced by stars not seen before, since when you travel at the speed of light with respect to something, you can no longer observe or affect it. Be careful to watch your back trail, though, or you will become hopelessly lost when the sun winks out.
2007-05-08 03:24:54 · answer #4 · answered by Helmut 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
It wouldn't continuously accelerate in vacuum. It would simply maintain speed.
2007-05-08 03:14:13 · answer #5 · answered by ferociousnibbler 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋