+21 votes
in Physics by (2.0k points)
edited by

Your answer

Your name to display (optional):
Privacy: Your email address will only be used for sending these notifications.
+19 votes
by

According to our current understanding of physics based on Einstein's theory of relativity, it is not possible for an object with mass, such as a human, to travel at the speed of light. As an object with mass accelerates, its energy increases, and the closer it gets to the speed of light, the more energy it requires. In fact, the energy required to accelerate an object with mass to the speed of light is infinite, making it impossible to reach or exceed that speed.

However, if we consider a hypothetical scenario where you could travel at the speed of light, some interesting consequences would arise from the principles of special relativity. Here are a few effects:

  1. Time dilation: According to special relativity, time slows down for objects that are moving relative to an observer. As you approach the speed of light, time would appear to pass more slowly for you compared to someone who is stationary. This means that while only a short time may pass for you, more time would have passed for observers back on Earth.

  2. Length contraction: Another consequence of special relativity is the phenomenon of length contraction. Objects in motion appear shorter in the direction of their motion when observed from a stationary frame. Therefore, objects or distances in the direction of your travel would appear contracted.

  3. Mass increase: As an object approaches the speed of light, its relativistic mass increases. This means that your mass would increase as you accelerated, making it more difficult to continue accelerating.

  4. Energy requirements: As mentioned earlier, the energy required to accelerate an object with mass to the speed of light becomes infinite. In practical terms, it means that you would require an infinite amount of energy to reach or exceed the speed of light.

It's important to note that these effects are theoretical and based on our current understanding of physics. As of now, we have no experimental evidence of any object with mass traveling at or beyond the speed of light.

Welcome to Physicsgurus Q&A, where you can ask questions and receive answers from other members of the community.
...