[KyleJHunter]

Ok, So its my first post on these forums, So ill try and spark thoughts.

Everyone is baffled by the ongoing problem, propelling somthing to the speed of light.
My theory is, what if we are all looking at this problem from the wrong angle?

What if instead of using rocket power or magnets or anything like that, why not try to harness the energy of light?
For example, using nanotech to create somthing that light can PUSH,if we found a way for light to push somthing, surely we could make it move at the Speed of Light?

dont know how much sense this will make to you all, as I said,
Im Just an amature 19yr old.

Thoughts?

This post has been edited by KyleJHunter: 31 July 2011 - 05:29 AM

[ajb]

KyleJHunter, on 31 July 2011 - 05:07 AM, said:

Everyone is baffled by the ongoing problem, propelling somthing to the speed of light.

Are we?

KyleJHunter, on 31 July 2011 - 05:07 AM, said:

What if instead of using rocket power or magnets or anything like that, why not try to harness the energy of light?
For example, using nanotech to create somthing that light can PUSH,if we found a way for light to push somthing, surely we could make it move at the Speed of Light?

You mean like a solar sail? These work due to radiation pressure and conservation of momentum. Given a large sail and enough time objects could be propelled very fast, but this will always be less than the speed of light.

This post has been edited by ajb: 31 July 2011 - 08:40 AM

[swansont]

As the object moves faster the light will be redshifted. In the target's frame the light has less energy and thus momentum (P=E/c) so as it goes faster the strength of the pushing decreases.

As ajb implies, scientists aren't really baffled by this issue.

[KyleJHunter]

Ok thanks for sheading light on the subject, just thought it might have been an idea, oh well =) thanks guys

[morgsboi]

The speed of light has already been achieved. Read this: http://www.reuters.c...E78L4FH20110922

[ajb]

morgsboi, on 16 October 2011 - 11:17 AM, said:

The speed of light has already been achieved. Read this: http://www.reuters.c...E78L4FH20110922

This is really still under much scrutiny. It is most likely that the apparent faster than light speed of neutrinos as measured by OPERA will turn out to be some error. This is being discussed in other threads on this forum already.