Special Relativity: Universal speed limit

-
                                                                                                                                                               

Universal speed limit


As we scramble for efficiency in the 21st century, one idea is evident: the need for speed is critical. While technological advancements have definitely improved how quickly tasks are done, the question that arises is what is the universal speed limit for everything? Fortunately, special relativity provides us with a fitting answer to this conundrum, using the most famous equation ever written.


WHAT IS THE UNIVERSAL SPEED LIMIT?

Einstein's theory of special relativity predicted that mass and energy are the same thing, but just in different forms. In other words, all mass can be converted to pure, raw energy. Einstein worked on this concept to come up with the universal mass-energy equivalence equation:

                                                                       Did Einstein discover E = mc2? – Physics World                 
                                                                    where E is energy, m is mass, and c is the speed of light

This equation works well with another consequence of relativity, known as relativistic mass, which basically details how the mass of a body increases exponentially at higher, relativistic speeds. (For more clarity on this concept, refer to the link provided at the end.) 

The effect is more pronounced as the object approaches speeds comparable to the speed of light. However, as the object's speed approaches c, the speed of light, its mass increases exponentially, tending towards infinity. On the other hand, E = mc^2 shows how an object with infinite mass will need to possess an infinite amount of energy as well, which is impossible. 

Thus, the universal speed limit for any object in space and time is the speed of light, which is equal to:
c = 299,792,458 m/s


This concept has proved to be useful in a variety of areas in theoretical physics, contributing to our knowledge of the known universe. The value itself is a benchmark fundamental constant and plays a central role in the law of causality. Learn more about the derivation and reasoning of relativistic mass, and about special relativity in its entirety, through this oversimplified presentation.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Examining properties of flight

-
Image
Motion in air is a prime example of how  physics and mathematics dominates our lives, exemplifying their synergy. Most physics laws and calculations need complex mathematics to be proven/justified, but mathematics by itself isn't particularly useful in terms of its application in the real world. Thus, this page would mainly show how in-flight motion employs the need to use both physics and mathematics together for better understanding.
Read more

Differential Equations: Rising complexity

-
Image
After careful examination of the last post, it may seem easy to master first order, linear differential equations . However, the previous example was only the tip of the iceberg, missing important elements and possible functions that could've turned that seemingly simple problem into a waking nightmare. This post will demonstrate the difference using a slightly more challenging example . It is strongly advised to refer to the previous post for context of the content in this post.
Read more

Differential Equations: Classification

-
Image
Differential equations exhibit fascinating variation , with a division as diverse as regular, algebraic equations. Possessing knowledge about the various types and correctly applying that knowledge to identify a particular one is a key step in solving any differential equation. This is because, it gives an idea/hint about which method can be used in that particular scenario, saving time and energy. While the classification can get very complex, most of the basic, yet crucial, differences are highlighted here.
Read more