Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology => Topic started by: erickejah on 10/04/2009 06:27:15

Title: electronics at speed of light
Post by: erickejah on 10/04/2009 06:27:15
would the electronics still work in a spaceship going at speed of light? and why? [:)]
Title: electronics at speed of light
Post by: lightarrow on 10/04/2009 11:01:32
would the electronics still work in a spaceship going at speed of light? and why? [:)]
1. Yes.
2. For the same reason electronics work at 0 speed (at least, providing the ship is shielded against cosmic particles and radiations).
Title: electronics at speed of light
Post by: Bored chemist on 10/04/2009 17:20:26
No, because a ship can't get to the speed of light.
However, for a ship travelling at any speed the electronics would work because, otherwise, you would be able to sit on board the ship and say "The electronics have failed- we must be near C". However, since all velocity is relative there's no way you can judge speed from inside the ship; you need some external reference to measure it against.
Title: electronics at speed of light
Post by: lightarrow on 10/04/2009 19:47:44
Exactly.
Title: electronics at speed of light
Post by: erickejah on 10/04/2009 20:04:40
ok, :) but does not the electron in a cable travels at 2/3 of C?
Title: electronics at speed of light
Post by: LeeE on 10/04/2009 21:55:26
Nope, electrons travel relatively slowly.  An electromagnetic wave can travel down a dielectric cable at up to 2/3rds 'c', but that isn't the same as the electrons moving down the conductor.

Have a look at this short wiki article:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speed_of_electricity (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speed_of_electricity)