Is Traveling at the Speed of Light Impossible?

In summary, the equation m=mo/sqrt(1-v^2/c^2) shows that traveling at the speed of light or beyond is impossible, as the value of v can never equal c. This is because the equation results in an imaginary mass, which physically means that the total energy of the object approaches infinity as v approaches c.
  • #1
rojasharma
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use the equation m=mo/sqrt(1-v^2/c^2) to show that traveling at the speed of light or beyond is impossible.
 
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  • #2
rojasharma said:
use the equation m=mo/sqrt(1-v^2/c^2) to show that traveling at the speed of light or beyond is impossible.

1. what is the limit of that expression whene v--->c?

2. what is an immaginary mass?

think
marco
 
  • #3
mo is the mass of the object measured in the refrence frame in which it is at rest. m is the mass of the object as measured in a refrence frame moving with speed. in the equation v can never equal to c...it will...be less because of sqrt 1-v2/c2
 
  • #4
rojasharma said:
mo is the mass of the object measured in the refrence frame in which it is at rest. m is the mass of the object as measured in a refrence frame moving with speed. in the equation v can never equal to c...it will...be less because of sqrt 1-v2/c2

yes bu why u cannot reach c? what kind of singularity u get? what does it mean physically?

ciao
 
  • #5
It's best to think of the m in your equation as the total energy of the object relative to the rest frame (including the E=m0*c^2 energy). So what happens to total energy as v approaches c?
 
  • #6
the energy approches infinity?
 
  • #7
Yessss.
 

1. What is the theory of relativity?

The theory of relativity is a scientific theory developed by Albert Einstein in the early 20th century that explains the relationship between space and time. It states that the laws of physics are the same for all observers in uniform motion, and that the speed of light is constant regardless of the observer's frame of reference.

2. What is special relativity?

Special relativity is a specific branch of the theory of relativity that deals with the laws of physics in the absence of gravitational forces. It focuses on how the laws of physics apply to objects moving at constant speeds in straight lines, as opposed to general relativity which includes the effects of gravity.

3. What are the key principles of special relativity?

The key principles of special relativity include the constancy of the speed of light, the relativity of simultaneity, time dilation, and length contraction. These principles help explain how time and space are relative to the observer's frame of reference and how they are affected by the speed of the observer.

4. How does special relativity impact our understanding of the universe?

Special relativity has had a significant impact on our understanding of the universe, particularly in the fields of physics and astronomy. It has helped explain various phenomena, such as the behavior of particles at high speeds and the concept of space-time. It has also led to the development of technologies such as GPS, which relies on the principles of special relativity to function accurately.

5. Can special relativity be proven?

Special relativity has been extensively tested and verified through experiments and observations. The predictions made by the theory, such as time dilation and length contraction, have been confirmed by numerous experiments. However, like all scientific theories, it is always subject to further testing and refinement as our understanding of the universe continues to evolve.

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