Tuesday 5 May 2020

special relativity - What does 99.9% speed of light mean when there is no absolute velocity?


So when people say: 'I am approaching the speed of light, and to get to 100% light I would need infinite energy' they are essentially saying that this situation is impossible?


I read this in Hawking's book and confused me because I assume when he says 99.9% speed of light, he means 99.9% speed of light in relation to someone outside observing?


I just cannot understand this notion of needing more and more energy to get closer to light as absolute velocity does not exist? (in that it is a purely relative concept). Surely the ability to accelerate further cannot possible be impeded because speed is all relative, there should be no limit to acceleration? If I 'accelerate' a further 50MPH, will I get to the destination exactly 50 miles early?


From what I can gather you 'can' accelerate FTL (sort off) but instead space bends towards you so you will get to your destination 'ftl' but only due to the curvature in space? So in effect, you can go light years in seconds (lets forget the practicals for a second), but from anyone observing, this will ALWAYS take light years.


Also, if for me I am going 'FTL', does outside observers see me as going light speed, or is it 99.999%.. is there a specific number?




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