Question about space travel and the human body

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the feasibility of human acceleration to near-light speed within a typical lifespan while experiencing no more than 5 Gs of force. Participants emphasize the importance of calculating the average human lifespan in seconds and the acceleration due to 5 Gs, which is approximately 49 meters per second squared. The conversation suggests that, without considering relativistic effects, the resulting speed from such acceleration would fall significantly short of the speed of light, thus confirming that achieving light speed within a human lifetime is impossible under these conditions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, particularly acceleration and force.
  • Familiarity with the concept of gravitational force (G) and its effects on the human body.
  • Knowledge of relativistic physics and its implications on speed and time.
  • Basic mathematical skills for calculating speed, time, and acceleration.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effects of acceleration on the human body, focusing on limits of G-forces.
  • Study the principles of relativistic physics, particularly time dilation and length contraction.
  • Learn about the calculations involved in relativistic acceleration and its impact on speed limits.
  • Explore theoretical propulsion methods for space travel, such as ion propulsion and warp drives.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physicists, aerospace engineers, and anyone interested in the implications of space travel on human physiology and the limits of speed in the context of relativity.

Keith
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Hello I have a question that's been bothering me for a while now and I figured I'd post it here to see if anyone could put my mind at ease. (Sorry if I accidentally posted this in the wrong place)

Given that people can only withstand a certain amount of force on their bodies (about 5 Gs), would the amount of time that it would take to reach (near) the speed of light exceed the length of the average life expectancy? In other words, is it possible for a human to accelerate to (and decelerate from) the speed of light within a lifetime without experiencing more than 5 Gs of force?
 
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That's something you should be able to calculate for yourself. How many seconds does an average person live? How much is 5G, in meters per second per second? If you completely ignore relativistic effects, what speed would resulting from accelerating at that rate for a lifetime? How does this compare with the speed of light?

If it's close, you would have to go back and do the relativistic acceleration calculation to be sure. But if it's not even slightly close, you'll have your answer. Try it and see what you get...
 

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