Is there a limiting speed for particles due to energy loss in acceleration?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the limitations of particle acceleration, emphasizing that electrical methods are the primary means to achieve high speeds. It concludes that a limiting speed may occur when the energy radiated by a particle equals the energy being input, particularly in synchrotron accelerators. Additionally, it highlights that mass loss through methods such as mass ejection prevents significant acceleration beyond certain thresholds. The escape velocity from Earth is noted as approximately 17,000 mph, underscoring the challenges of reaching relativistic speeds.

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  • Understanding of particle physics and acceleration methods
  • Familiarity with synchrotron particle accelerators
  • Knowledge of energy radiation and its impact on mass
  • Basic concepts of relativistic physics and escape velocity
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  • Study the relationship between energy input and radiation losses in particle physics
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hartlw
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Electrical means are the only way to achieve high speeds of a particle. Is it possible that you reach a limiting speed when energy radiates out as fast as it is put in? How is radiated energy accounted for in the total mass?

There really is no non-electrical way to significantly accelerate a body other than ejecting a part of the mass, in which case the mass is not constant. I don't think a compressed spring or cannon will get you up near the speed of light. The speed a body reaches when it accelerates toward the Earth from infinity is escape velocity, about 17000 mph. By the time you get near the speed of light by expelling mass you don't have any mass left.
 
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hartlw said:
Electrical means are the only way to achieve high speeds of a particle. Is it possible that you reach a limiting speed when energy radiates out as fast as it is put in? ..
Particle acceleration in a synchroton is limited by the energy at which energy input equals energy radiated.
Particles also achieve high speeds in decay of heavier particles.
 

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