Terminal Velocity of Objects Falling into the Sun

AI Thread Summary
An object falling into the Sun does not reach the speed of light; it impacts at approximately 600 km/s. The discussion clarifies that gravitational acceleration on the Sun's surface is about 300 m/s², which is not a measure of speed. Calculations regarding gravitational acceleration do not directly equate to velocity. The concept of escape velocity is mentioned, but it is emphasized that this pertains to an object falling from infinity. Overall, the conversation centers on the distinction between acceleration and velocity in the context of objects falling into the Sun.
God Plays Dice
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Does an object falling into the sun reach approximately the speed of light?
 
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Not even close. It would impact at about 600 km/s.
 
Not even close.

[ EDIT You're fast! ]
 
Vanadium 50 said:
Not even close. It would impact at about 600 km/s.

Don't you have to know from how far it's falling to provide a value?
 
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DaveC426913 said:
Don't you have to know from how far it's falling to provide a value?
No, assume infinity and look up the escape velocity.
 
What about this calc

A= GM/r^2

A= 10^-11 10^30 / 10^12
= 10^7

That's pretty fast, does this not apply?
 
Acceleration is not velocity. And your calculation has wrong numbers in it.
 
God Plays Dice said:
What about this calc

A= GM/r^2

A= 10^-11 10^30 / 10^12
= 10^7

That's pretty fast, does this not apply?
You are trying to calculate the gravitational acceleration on the "surface" of the Sun.
If you do it correctly you will get about 300 m/s^2.

But this is not a speed anyway. You cannot compare this with the speed of light (or any speed).
 
nasu said:
You are trying to calculate the gravitational acceleration on the "surface" of the Sun.
If you do it correctly you will get about 300 m/s^2.

But this is not a speed anyway. You cannot compare this with the speed of light (or any speed).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sun
I think it's the escape velocity. If you put it infinitely. I'm no physicist, just using logic.
Vanadium is right
 
  • #10
DaveC426913 said:
Don't you have to know from how far it's falling to provide a value?
I think if you drop it infinitely, it's the escape velocity.
 
  • #11
Stephanus said:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sun
I think it's the escape velocity. If you put it infinitely. I'm no physicist, just using logic.
Vanadium is right
No, that formula is an acceleration and not a velocity.
I did not say anything about Vanadium's post.
 
  • #12
Stephanus said:
I think if you drop it infinitely, it's the escape velocity.
Yes, I was about to follow up with the assumption that it falls from infinity.
Even if it doesn't, that still acts as the upper limit of final velocity.
 

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