Infinity & Particles: Can They Really Travel at the Speed of Light?

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of photons and their speed in relation to calculus principles. The speaker questions if a particle can achieve the speed of light without breaking the principles of the universe, and suggests that perhaps particles have a mass and a speed slightly lower than the speed of light. The conversation also touches on the concept of zero and its achievability in mathematics.
  • #1
nistal
1
0
I just started to study and happen to stumble to more questions then answers.

I thought that photons would travel with the speed of light, and the problem is that in calculus we learned that 0 and ∞ are not achievable numbers.
And for a particle to achieve the speed of light, would it not have to achieve a 0 or ∞ mass and would that not break our universe or something like that.. :) or is it ok at all, particles achieving such values(limits).

are they really with c speed?? maybe they do have a mass and a speed of something like 99% of c, which is as we know far from possible to achieve(but it is real).. doesn't that make more sense??

sry for my bad english i hope you are still able to understand what i mean :)
 
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  • #2
Photons have zero mass, and because of that they must always be in motion.

Zero is a very achievable number!
Like x + 5 = 5, what is x?
You can't DIVIDE by zero however.
 

What is infinity and can particles actually travel at the speed of light?

Infinity is a concept in mathematics and physics that refers to something that is endless or boundless. It is often used to describe the vastness of space or the never-ending nature of certain mathematical equations. As for particles traveling at the speed of light, according to the theory of relativity, particles with mass cannot reach the speed of light. However, particles with zero mass, such as photons, can travel at the speed of light.

Why is the speed of light considered the ultimate speed limit?

The speed of light, which is approximately 299,792,458 meters per second, is considered the ultimate speed limit because it is the fastest speed at which energy, information, or matter can travel in the universe. This is due to the laws of physics, specifically the theory of relativity, which states that as an object's speed increases, its mass also increases, making it increasingly difficult to accelerate to higher speeds.

What is the significance of particles traveling at the speed of light?

The significance of particles traveling at the speed of light is that it allows for the transfer of information and energy at incredibly fast speeds. This is essential for many modern technologies, such as fiber optic cables for internet and communication, as well as for understanding the behavior of particles in the universe.

Can particles travel faster than the speed of light?

According to our current understanding of physics, particles with mass cannot travel faster than the speed of light. This is because as an object's speed increases, its mass also increases, making it increasingly difficult to accelerate to higher speeds. However, there are some theories, such as the Alcubierre drive, that suggest it may be possible to travel faster than the speed of light by manipulating spacetime.

How is infinity related to the speed of light?

Infinity and the speed of light are related in the sense that the speed of light is considered the ultimate speed limit in the universe, while infinity represents something that is endless and boundless. Some theories, such as string theory, suggest that the speed of light may be a fundamental limit in our universe due to the existence of extra dimensions that can only be traversed at the speed of light.

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