The discussion centers around the concept of faster-than-light travel in a vacuum chamber, specifically addressing the question of whether an object dropped in such an environment could accelerate to exceed the speed of light. The scope includes theoretical considerations from both Newtonian and Einsteinian physics.
Participants generally agree that an object cannot exceed the speed of light, but there is a mix of perspectives on the implications of Newtonian versus Einsteinian physics in this context. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the nuances of these physics frameworks.
Limitations include the potential misunderstanding of the transition between Newtonian and relativistic physics, as well as the assumptions underlying the discussion of acceleration in a vacuum.
It doesn't matter how much it accelerates, it cannot exceed c. The closer you get to c, the smaller and smaller amount of additional velocity you get from further acceleration. This is such a basic question that I suggest that you do some reading on Special Relativity and the Lorentz Transform.Fraser MacDonald said:If an object is in a large vacuum chamber and is dropped, what is to stop it from accelerating to the point that it passes the speed of light, because there would be no air resistance to stop it from constantly accelerating?
Thank you very much, very helpfulphinds said:It doesn't matter how much it accelerates, it cannot exceed c. The closer you get to c, the smaller and smaller amount of additional velocity you get from further acceleration. This is such a basic question that I suggest that you do some reading on Special Relativity and the Lorentz Transform.
Thank you, I have asked a few people with a more physics related background to myself but they weren't too sure. This clears everything up.jedishrfu said:You're combining notions of Newtonian physics with Einsteinian physics. Newtonian physics is a great approximation to Relativity for slow speeds.
Basically as the velocity increases past a certain number, you can no longer rely on Newtonian physics and must switch to Einstein relativity to compute the changing velocity. In the relativity realm your object will approach the speed of light limit but never reach it.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special_relativity