Objects at the Speed of Light question

[Shades]

Let me begin by saying that I have never taken any type of physics classes what-so-ever. As a matter of fact I only have a high school education, so if this is a stupid question please excuse my ignorance. My question is this:

If I understand properly as an object gets closer to the SoL its molecules get more excited and begin to expand to the point of infinity, and that somehow slows the object or at least keeps it from gaining the SoL. If that is the case what would happen if you could force an object to reach absolute zero in temperature while it approached the speed of light?

 

[mgb_phys]

If I understand properly as an object gets closer to the SoL its molecules get more excited and begin to expand to the point of infinity, and that somehow slows the object or at least keeps it from gaining the SoL.

Welcome to PF.
What you read isn't correct, special relativity says that the mass of an object increases exponentially as it approaches light speed. This means that for any object with mass it would take an infinite amount of energy to accelerate it to light speed

 

[Entropia]

First of all, I want to commend you for asking this question and seeking knowledge even without a formal education in physics. It shows a great curiosity and eagerness to learn.

Now, to answer your question, let's start with a few basic concepts. The speed of light (SoL) is a fundamental constant in the universe and is considered the maximum speed at which any object can travel. This is because, as an object approaches the speed of light, its mass increases and it requires an infinite amount of energy to accelerate it further. This concept is known as the theory of relativity.

Now, to address your question about an object reaching absolute zero temperature while approaching the speed of light. Absolute zero is defined as the lowest possible temperature where all molecular motion stops. This means that at this temperature, there is no heat energy present in the object. However, this does not necessarily mean that the object has no mass or is at rest. The object may still be moving at a constant speed or even accelerating, but it will have no heat energy.

So, even if an object were to reach absolute zero temperature while approaching the speed of light, it would still have mass and therefore still be subject to the laws of relativity. Its mass would still increase as it approaches the speed of light, and it would still require infinite energy to accelerate it further.

In summary, reaching absolute zero temperature while approaching the speed of light would not change the fact that an object cannot reach the speed of light due to its increasing mass. It is an interesting concept to think about, but in reality, it is not possible to achieve. I hope this helps to clarify your question. Keep asking questions and seeking knowledge!