Speed of Light: Can We Reach It?

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of reaching the speed of light and the relationship between energy and momentum for light. It is explained that due to light's lack of rest mass, different rules apply to its energy and momentum. The conversation concludes with a clarification about the relationship between energy and frequency for light.
  • #1
agent_509
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From what I understand, we can never reach the speed of light because it would require infinite energy, because our momentum would be infinite. But if that is the case, wouldn't light have infinite momentum and therefore infinite energy? Or am I an idiot and 'the speed of light' is just a term that has nothing to do with light?
 
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  • #2
Since light has no "intrinsic", or rest, mass, the same rules do not apply to its energy/momentum as do for massive objects such as electrons, protons, and humans.

The rules applying to light state that its energy is proportional to its frequency, and its momentum has a similar relationship, only with a factor of 1/c:
[tex]E=\hbar \omega[/tex]
[tex]p=\frac{ \hbar \omega}{c} [/tex]
 
  • #3
okay, I understand now, thanks!
 

FAQ: Speed of Light: Can We Reach It?

What is the speed of light?

The speed of light is a fundamental physical constant that is equal to approximately 299,792,458 meters per second. It is denoted by the symbol "c" and is the maximum speed at which all matter and information in the universe can travel.

Why is the speed of light considered a universal speed limit?

The speed of light is considered a universal speed limit because according to Einstein's theory of relativity, it is the maximum speed at which all matter and information can travel in the universe. This means that nothing can move faster than the speed of light, and as an object approaches the speed of light, its mass and energy increase to infinity, making it impossible to accelerate further.

Can we ever reach the speed of light?

No, it is impossible for any object with mass to reach the speed of light. As an object approaches the speed of light, its mass and energy increase to infinity, making it impossible to accelerate further. However, particles with no mass, such as photons, can travel at the speed of light.

How do we measure the speed of light?

The most accurate way to measure the speed of light is by using a technique called interferometry, which involves splitting a laser beam into two paths and then recombining them to create an interference pattern. By measuring the time it takes for the light to travel through the two paths, we can calculate the speed of light.

Has the speed of light always been constant?

Yes, the speed of light has always been constant. This is known as the principle of constancy and it is a fundamental law of physics. Numerous experiments have been conducted to measure the speed of light over the years, and all have confirmed that it remains constant regardless of the observer's frame of reference or the speed of the source emitting the light.

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