Is Slow Travel Through Earth's Atmosphere Possible?

In summary, traveling at high speeds through the Earth's atmosphere causes friction and ram pressure which can result in burning. However, if the speed is reduced to 20 MPH or even 10 MPH, the burning effect is significantly decreased. This is primarily due to the decrease in ram pressure at lower speeds.
  • #1
Mixolydian
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If you find a way to acctually travel (defining gravity of course) slowly like 20 MPH as you enter the Earth's atmosphere from space would you burn up? Is burning up just an effect because of the speed ships are coming in? Or, even if you were traveling at 10 MPH through the atmosphere would the gasses try to burn you up anyway?
 
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  • #2
The burning is cause of friction. If you come in very slowly then you won't burn up.
 
  • #3
The burning of meters is caused by ram pressure.

A meter traveling through the Earth's atmosphere produces a shockwave generated by *fast* compression of air in front of it. It is primarily this ram pressure (rather than friction) which heats the air which in turn heats the meteoroid as it flows around it.

Ram pressure increases with velocity. If you stick your hand out the window of a car on the autobahn, there's a lot of ram pressure pushing on your hand (actually you're pushing on the air). This is because your velocity is greater than if you were driving in a parking lot.

Or, even if you were traveling at 10 MPH through the atmosphere would the gasses try to burn you up anyway?
Really, those little mean gasses are trying to burn you up whatever speed you're going. The burn you up better the faster you go.
 
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1. Can objects travel through Earth's atmosphere at a slow speed?

Yes, it is possible for objects to travel through Earth's atmosphere at a slower speed than the average speed of sound (343 meters per second). For example, airplanes and hot air balloons can travel through the atmosphere at relatively slow speeds.

2. How does the atmosphere affect the speed of an object?

The atmosphere can affect the speed of an object in a few different ways. The air resistance or drag force exerted by the atmosphere can slow down an object as it travels through it. Additionally, the density of the atmosphere can also affect an object's speed, as denser air can provide more resistance and slow down the object more.

3. Is it possible for objects to travel through Earth's atmosphere at a faster speed than the speed of sound?

Yes, it is possible for objects to travel through Earth's atmosphere at a faster speed than the speed of sound. This is known as supersonic travel, and it is achieved by using specialized aircrafts and propulsion systems.

4. How does the composition of Earth's atmosphere affect the speed of an object?

The composition of Earth's atmosphere can affect the speed of an object in a few different ways. The concentration of gases, such as oxygen or nitrogen, can impact the density of the air and therefore the drag force exerted on an object. Additionally, the presence of other particles, such as water vapor or aerosols, can also affect an object's speed by altering the air's density and composition.

5. Can an object travel through Earth's atmosphere without experiencing any resistance?

No, an object traveling through Earth's atmosphere will always experience some level of resistance or drag force. This is due to the air molecules colliding with the object and slowing it down. However, the amount of resistance can be reduced by designing the object to be more aerodynamic or by traveling at higher altitudes where the air density is lower.

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