Faster than the speed of light during acceleration?

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of velocity and distance between two points, A and B, in an inertial frame S. The speaker describes a scenario where an object accelerates up to a velocity of 0.99c relative to S, causing the distance between A and B to decrease. The speaker concludes that an object with uniform motion can have a velocity above c relative to an accelerating reference frame, but not relative to an inertial frame. They also mention that in non-inertial frames, the speed of light and material objects are not limited to c.
  • #1
Yayness
38
0
Let A and B be two points that are at rest relative to an inertial frame S. Let's say the distance between them is 1·109 m.
In the beginning you are at rest relative to S, but during exactly 1 second (counted by your wristwatch), you have managed to accelerate up to the velocity v=0.99c. Let's imagine you survived the acceleration.

Your velocity vector (relative to S) is parallel to the line segment AB.
Such that when your velocity has reached 0.99c relative to S, (From now on, we will only use your reference frame.) the distance between A and B must be (1·109/γ) m where γ=7.09 is the lorentz factor.
That means the distance between them is now 1.41·108 m.
So during a second, the distance between them decreased by 8.59·108 m.

Let's say A had the highest velocity during the time you accelerated. Then A could not have moved less than (8.59·108/2) m = 4.295·108 m which is about 4.3·108 m.
That means the highest velocity A had, could not have been less than about 4.3·108 m/s (since it lasted for 1 second).
And that velocity is the same as 1.4c, which is above the speed of light.

So my conclusion is that an object with uniform motion can have a velocity above c relative to an accelerating reference frame, but not relative to an inertial frame. Is this correct or have I done something wrong?
 
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  • #2
In non-inertial frames the coordinate speed of light is not limited to c, nor is the speed of material objects.
 

What is the speed of light during acceleration?

The speed of light during acceleration depends on the rate of acceleration. As acceleration increases, the speed of light also increases. However, the speed of light can never be reached or exceeded, regardless of the rate of acceleration.

Is it possible for an object to travel faster than the speed of light during acceleration?

No, according to Einstein's theory of relativity, the speed of light is the absolute limit for the speed of any object. As an object approaches the speed of light, its mass increases and requires an infinite amount of energy to continue accelerating, making it impossible to exceed the speed of light.

Can the laws of physics be applied to objects traveling faster than the speed of light during acceleration?

No, the laws of physics, including Einstein's theory of relativity, do not apply to objects traveling faster than the speed of light during acceleration. This is because these laws are based on the assumption that the speed of light is the maximum speed for any object.

What are the implications of traveling faster than the speed of light during acceleration?

If an object could travel faster than the speed of light during acceleration, it would violate the laws of physics and cause major disruptions in our understanding of the universe. It would also lead to time travel and paradoxes, making it impossible to accurately predict the behavior of objects.

Are there any ongoing scientific studies or experiments related to traveling faster than the speed of light during acceleration?

While there are ongoing studies and experiments related to increasing the speed of objects, there are currently no known ways to exceed the speed of light during acceleration. Scientists continue to explore the possibilities and limitations of traveling at high speeds, but exceeding the speed of light remains a theoretical concept.

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