Can Objects Travel at 85% of the Speed of Light?

The age-old question of whether objects can travel at a significant fraction of the speed of light has long been a topic of fascination in both science and science fiction. According to Albert Einstein's theory of relativity, traveling at 85% of the speed of light is possible for very small objects, but it becomes practically impossible for larger masses due to the laws of physics and our current technological limitations.

Theories and Reality

According to the general theory of relativity, as formulated by Albert Einstein, the speed of light (c) is the ultimate speed limit in the universe. At a speed of 85% of the speed of light (0.85c), time would significantly dilate, and from the perspective of an observer at rest, time would seem to almost stop for the object in motion. This effect is well-documented in scientific literature and experimental observations.

Small Objects

Very small particles like electrons and protons can indeed be accelerated to 85% of the speed of light. This is common in nuclear physics laboratories where particles are regularly accelerated to extremely high velocities. These particles can achieve such speeds due to the very small mass they possess, making it easier to overcome the relativistic effects. For instance, in particle accelerators like the Large Hadron Collider, electrons can reach speeds close to, but not quite, 0.85c.

Large Objects and Technological Limitations

When it comes to larger objects such as cars, airplanes, or rockets, achieving 85% of the speed of light is not feasible with our current technology. At these speeds, even the tiniest particles, such as grains of sand, become highly destructive. The immense energy required to achieve such speeds would be practically unattainable with today's propulsion systems. Additionally, the mass of the object increases significantly as it approaches the speed of light, making the task much more challenging.

The Concept of "Can" in Physics

It's important to distinguish between what is physically possible and what we currently have the technological capability to achieve. Even though we are traveling at high fractions of the speed of light relative to distant galaxies, achieving 85% of the speed of light relative to Earth is still beyond our reach. The fastest object we've ever created relative to Earth moves at a tiny fraction of a percent of the speed of light.

Physics at the Quantum Level and in Outer Space

At the quantum level, particles like electrons can achieve velocities greater than 85% of the speed of light in magnetic fields. Similarly, the movement of galaxies in outer space often exceeds the speed of light, an effect known as superluminal recession, due to the expansion of the universe rather than any violation of the laws of physics. This phenomenon is seen in the cosmic microwave background and the redshift of distant galaxies.

Energy Requirements and Relativistic Mass Increase

Calculating the energy required to propel an object to 85% of the speed of light involves complex relativistic physics. According to Einstein's equation, Emc2, the mass of the object increases as it approaches the speed of light. This means that the energy needed to accelerate an object to significant fractions of the speed of light becomes astronomically high. For Earth-based objects, the energy requirements are simply beyond our current technological and scientific capabilities.

Conclusion

In summary, while the laws of physics do not prohibit objects from reaching 85% of the speed of light, it is currently not possible with our present technology. The concept is feasible at the quantum level and in space, but it remains a theoretical possibility for large objects on Earth.