- #1
mileymo
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How long/what distance would it take a spaceship (with a hypothetical propellant-less engine) to accelerate to near light speed, and secondly, how low long/what distance would it take to decelerate back to zero again?
Travel to Light Speed: Acceleration & Deceleration
- Thread starter mileymo
- Start date
In summary, the time and distance required for a spaceship to accelerate to near light speed and decelerate back to zero depends on the level of acceleration and the desired speed. Without a limit on acceleration, it would theoretically take an infinitely long time to accelerate and decelerate.
- #2
BvU
Science Advisor
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Hello Mileymo, welcome to PF 
!
Infinitely long to accelerate and the same to decelerate.
If these answers are not to your liking, tell us some more at what level you are, at what level you'd like to be assisted. Better: pick up some introductory special relativity material and do the exercises -- and ask more questions here. Good hunting !
!Infinitely long to accelerate and the same to decelerate.
If these answers are not to your liking, tell us some more at what level you are, at what level you'd like to be assisted. Better: pick up some introductory special relativity material and do the exercises -- and ask more questions here. Good hunting !
- #3
mathman
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It very strongly depends on how near is "near light speed". In addition how large is the acceleration - usually it is limited by mechanical or human constraints - without a limit you can get to near light speed in a very short time.mileymo said:
- #4
Vitro
- 130
- 47
I found this graph on Wikipedia which might be what you're looking for:mileymo said:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proper_acceleration#/media/File:Roundtriptimes.png
1. What is the concept of acceleration and deceleration in travel to light speed?
Acceleration and deceleration refer to the change in velocity over time. In the context of travel to light speed, it is the increase or decrease in speed of a spacecraft in order to reach or slow down from the speed of light.
2. How does acceleration and deceleration affect the time it takes to travel to light speed?
Acceleration and deceleration play a crucial role in the time it takes to travel to light speed. As the speed of light is the ultimate speed limit, increasing or decreasing the velocity of a spacecraft requires a significant amount of energy, which in turn affects the travel time.
3. Can we ever reach the speed of light without experiencing infinite time dilation?
According to Einstein's theory of relativity, as an object approaches the speed of light, time dilation occurs, which means time passes slower for the object in motion. This makes it impossible to reach the speed of light without experiencing infinite time dilation.
4. What are some proposed methods for achieving acceleration and deceleration in travel to light speed?
There are several proposed methods for achieving acceleration and deceleration in travel to light speed, including using powerful propulsion systems such as nuclear or antimatter engines, utilizing gravitational slingshot maneuvers around large objects, and using space-time warping technologies like the Alcubierre drive.
5. What are some potential challenges and risks of traveling at light speed?
Traveling at light speed poses many challenges and risks, including the enormous energy required for acceleration and deceleration, potential collisions with interstellar objects, and the effects of time dilation on the human body. Additionally, the ability to navigate and control a spacecraft at such high speeds poses a significant technological challenge.
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