Speed of light and relations to mass

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of infinite mass and the barrier it creates for achieving the speed of light. The fuel source would need to be infinite to provide the necessary energy, but the increase in mass is only apparent in another inertial frame. From the perspective of the rocket, the mass stays the same as it is used up. The increase in mass is only observed from an inertial frame of reference that is moving rapidly relative to the rocket.
  • #1
chgol5270
6
0
Being that anything accelerated to the speed of light gains infinite mass and will require infinite energy thus providing a barrier to achieving the speed of light but wouldn't the fuel source become infinite and in turn the potential for energy become infinite effectively canceling out this barrier.
 
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  • #2
Nope.
 
  • #3
ghwellsjr said:
Nope.

Well said.
 
  • #4
The increase in mass of the fuel is apparent only in another inertial frame. In the frame of the rocket it stays the same (decreasing as it is used up).
 
  • #5
mathman said:
The increase in mass of the fuel is apparent only in another inertial frame. In the frame of the rocket it stays the same (decreasing as it is used up).

is what you're saying is that the increase in mass isn't from the perspective of said object ie. "rocket" but from the perspective of outside observations?
 
  • #6
chgol5270 said:
is what you're saying is that the increase in mass isn't from the perspective of said object ie. "rocket" but from the perspective of outside observations?

Yes, that is exactly what he is saying, and not just any "outside observations" but those that are taken from an inertial frame of reference that is moving rapidly from the point of view of the rocket. Look up "frame of reference".
 

1. What is the speed of light?

The speed of light is approximately 299,792,458 meters per second in a vacuum. This is also denoted as c in scientific equations.

2. How is the speed of light related to mass?

According to Einstein's theory of relativity, the speed of light is a constant in the universe and is independent of the observer's frame of reference. This means that the speed of light is the same for all observers regardless of their relative motion. Mass, on the other hand, can change depending on the observer's frame of reference. As an object's speed approaches the speed of light, its mass increases and approaches infinity.

3. Can anything travel faster than the speed of light?

As far as we know, nothing can travel faster than the speed of light. The laws of physics, particularly Einstein's theory of relativity, suggest that it is impossible for an object with mass to reach or exceed the speed of light. However, some theories suggest that particles called tachyons may be able to travel faster than light, but there is no conclusive evidence for their existence.

4. How is the speed of light measured?

The speed of light can be measured using a variety of methods, including the use of lasers, mirrors, and precise timing devices. One common method is the use of the Michelson-Morley experiment, which measures the speed of light by splitting a beam of light and measuring the time it takes for the two beams to travel equal distances and return to their starting point.

5. How does the speed of light affect time and space?

According to Einstein's theory of relativity, the speed of light is a fundamental constant that affects the fabric of spacetime. As an object's velocity increases, its time appears to slow down for an observer, and its length appears to contract in the direction of motion. This phenomenon is known as time dilation and length contraction and is a result of the relationship between the speed of light, time, and space.

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