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Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology / If an object drifts in space without stopping, what stops acceleration in space?
« on: 01/10/2012 04:25:55 »
I have long pondered the speed of light and how it is used to define so much. I was once more of a student but I grew up and had to get a job. But now with the news of pulse fusion engines on the horizon I think again on two things that always baffled me.
1. Why is the speed of a light wave the maximum speed attainable; could it be just the fastest naturally occurring phenomenon?
2. Why is speed in space a problem (not withstanding collisions/radiation/gravity of nearby object/etc.) when an object will drift forever once in motion? What slows acceleration in space assuming gravity and light hit equally from all sides? Formulas aside, if there can be acceleration at all, and a mass in movement continues to move, why would there be any limit in speed as we define it? Is there a simple answer out there so I can sleep at night?
1. Why is the speed of a light wave the maximum speed attainable; could it be just the fastest naturally occurring phenomenon?
2. Why is speed in space a problem (not withstanding collisions/radiation/gravity of nearby object/etc.) when an object will drift forever once in motion? What slows acceleration in space assuming gravity and light hit equally from all sides? Formulas aside, if there can be acceleration at all, and a mass in movement continues to move, why would there be any limit in speed as we define it? Is there a simple answer out there so I can sleep at night?