Macroscopic Objects at Relativistic Speed

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the energy required to accelerate a macroscopic object, specifically the International Space Station (ISS), to relativistic speeds comparable to protons in the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). Participants explore the calculations involved in determining kinetic and total energy within the framework of relativity, as well as the implications of such energy requirements in comparison to humanity's current energy production capabilities.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the energy needed to accelerate the ISS to the speed of protons at the LHC.
  • Another participant prompts for a computation to be made regarding this energy requirement.
  • A participant expresses uncertainty about how to perform the necessary calculations.
  • There is a discussion about the computation of kinetic or total energy in the context of relativity and how it compares to classical mechanics.
  • Some participants question the level of physics background of the original poster to tailor the discussion appropriately.
  • A participant estimates that the energy required would be approximately 80% of the energy produced by the Sun in one second, noting the vast difference compared to current human energy production rates.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of understanding special relativity rather than just obtaining a numerical answer.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of understanding and background in physics, leading to a lack of consensus on how to approach the calculations. While some provide estimates and insights, others highlight the need for foundational knowledge in relativity, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific calculations and implications.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the original poster's lack of physics background, which affects the depth of the discussion. The conversation also reflects a dependence on understanding relativistic concepts and the challenges in computing energy requirements for macroscopic objects at relativistic speeds.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals curious about relativistic physics, energy calculations in high-speed contexts, and those looking to understand the implications of accelerating large objects to relativistic speeds.

cjackson
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How much energy would be required to accelerate something the size of the space station to the same speed as protons colliding at the LHC?
 
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Have you tried making the computation?
 
Frankly, I don't know how.
 
Do you know how to compute kinetic (or total) energy in relativity?

How would the ratio of the proton and ISS energies look in classical mechanics?
 
I have no idea.
 
What is your physics background? Without knowing more about where you are at and where you need to go, it is difficult to help you. Of course, we could simply give you the final result, but that is not the kind of spirit we are trying to foster, which is to help people think for themselves rather than to simply provide answers.
 
I have no physics background.
 
If you have no physics background, it would help to know what kind of answer you are looking for. If we told you "ten zillion ergs", would that be meaningful?
 
How much greater would the energy requirement be than what humanity has ever generated up to this point? Something like that.
 
  • #10
It would require roughly 80% of all of the energy produced by the Sun in one second. The Sun produces roughly 1014 times the world electricity production. With current energy production rate, it would take of the order of a million years to generate this amount of energy.
 
  • #11
cjackson said:
How much greater would the energy requirement be than what humanity has ever generated up to this point? Something like that.

Wouldn't you rather learn a little bit about special relativity, the foundation of this knowledge, rather than having this piece of useless information? I bet that you won't even get to use this information on Jeopardy!

Zz.
 
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