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RiseAgainst
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If you could move at the speed of light what would happen? Could you survive?
Exploring Light Speed: Can You Survive?
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In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of moving at the speed of light and whether or not it is possible for humans to survive. It is determined that due to our non-zero rest mass, it is impossible for us to reach the speed of light. However, there is a discussion about what would happen as we approach closer to the speed of light, including length contraction and time dilation. The conversation also mentions a science fiction book or series, such as Ender's Game or Forever War, where space travel at close to the speed of light is possible and the effects of time dilation are explored.
- #2
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Welcome to PF. 
Since you and I have non-zero rest mass, it is impossible for us to move at the speed of light. So, this is akin to asking questions like "what if we could create energy from nothing?" or "what would happen if like charges attracted and opposite charges repelled?"
Since you and I have non-zero rest mass, it is impossible for us to move at the speed of light. So, this is akin to asking questions like "what if we could create energy from nothing?" or "what would happen if like charges attracted and opposite charges repelled?"
- #3
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Perhaps a better question to ask is, what would happen to you as you approach closer and closer to the speed of light? All the stuff about length contraction and time dilation as v approaches c is certainly worthy of discussion.
There was a sci fi book or series -- might have been Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card, but I'm not sure -- where space travel between different stars at close to the speed of light was possible. In our usual reference frame, space travellers would take decades to travel between stars, but because time slowed down for them, they would only age a few weeks or months during the journey.
In the space travellers' reference frame, time did not slow down. But, because of length contraction, the distance became much smaller between the stars at the beginning and end of their journey. To travel this shorter distance took only a few weeks or months, so that is how much time passed for them.
There was a sci fi book or series -- might have been Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card, but I'm not sure -- where space travel between different stars at close to the speed of light was possible. In our usual reference frame, space travellers would take decades to travel between stars, but because time slowed down for them, they would only age a few weeks or months during the journey.
In the space travellers' reference frame, time did not slow down. But, because of length contraction, the distance became much smaller between the stars at the beginning and end of their journey. To travel this shorter distance took only a few weeks or months, so that is how much time passed for them.
- #4
DaveC426913
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Haldeman's Forever WarRedbelly98 said:
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Nabeshin
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Redbelly98 said:
Ender's Game series is probably what he means. Same thing in Forever War, but no mention of "collapsars" in Red's post
Related to Exploring Light Speed: Can You Survive?
1. What is light speed and how fast is it?
Light speed refers to the speed at which light travels through space, which is approximately 299,792,458 meters per second in a vacuum. This is the fastest speed at which anything in the universe can travel.
2. Can humans travel at light speed?
Currently, it is not possible for humans to travel at light speed. The speed of light is incredibly fast and our current technology is not advanced enough to reach those speeds. However, there are ongoing research and experiments being conducted to try and achieve this feat in the future.
3. What would happen to the human body if it traveled at light speed?
If a human were to travel at light speed, they would experience extreme gravitational forces and time dilation. Their body would also be exposed to high levels of radiation, which could potentially be harmful. This is why it is currently not possible for humans to survive traveling at light speed.
4. Can any object survive traveling at light speed?
It is believed that no object, including spaceships, can survive traveling at light speed. The intense gravitational forces and radiation would likely destroy any object attempting to reach such speeds. This is why scientists are constantly researching and developing new technologies to potentially overcome these challenges.
5. What are some potential theories for traveling faster than light?
There are several theories that have been proposed for traveling faster than light, such as wormholes, warp drives, and manipulating the fabric of space-time. However, these are still theoretical and have not been proven to be possible yet. Further research and advancements in technology are needed to potentially make these theories a reality.