Can Objects Travel at the Speed of Light?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the concept that the laws of physics prevent objects with mass from accelerating to the speed of light due to the requirement of infinite energy. It is clarified that while no object can reach or exceed the speed of light, this limitation arises from the inability to accelerate to that speed rather than a direct violation of physical laws. Additionally, it is noted that objects with zero rest mass must travel at the speed of light, and any hypothetical objects created with speeds faster than light would violate causality, leading to the conclusion that they cannot exist. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the complexities surrounding the speed of light in physics. Understanding these principles is crucial for grasping the limitations of motion in our universe.
KingNothing
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I am not an expert on Physics and have for the past year been engulfed in work, so I am very rusty. I read a comment online recently that essentially said the laws of physics simply prevent any object from accelerating to the speed of light (infinite energy required?), but do not say that an object traveling at the speed of light would necessarily be violating physical laws.

Is it true that the commonly-understood law that "no object can travel at or above the speed of light" is derived entirely from an inability of said object to accelerate to the speed of light?
 
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Hi KingNothing! :smile:
KingNothing said:
Is it true that the commonly-understood law that "no object can travel at or above the speed of light" is derived entirely from an inability of said object to accelerate to the speed of light?

Yes.

An object of zero rest-mass must travel at the speed of light.

Any object that was created with speed faster than light would have to stay faster than light (for the same reason … it can't be accelerated down to the speed of light) …

however, such objects would violate causality, so we believe they can't exist. :wink:​
 
Thank you kindly Mr. tiny-tim!
 
Your Majesty is most gracious. :smile:
 

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