Is it possible to reach the speed of light?

For centuries, scientists mandated that there were no boundaries on how fast an object could move in space, until Einstein proved that the universe did, in fact, have such a limit - the speed of light in a vacuum. It was hypothesized that only subatomic particles (electrons and photons, for example), could achieve the coveted value, 300,000 kilometers per hour. However, human scientific innovation has proven itself by achieving a speed close to the speed of light, opening a myriad of avenues for exploration in the future. Nevertheless, achieving 100% of the speed could require further exploration, and this article delves into 3 possible theories.

Electromagnetic fields

The first concept involves electromagnetic fields that are combinations of electric and magnetic fields of force. Such fields have large amounts of energy present within them, causing particles around the field to accelerate due to the increase in thermal energy, as there is a force exerted on them. These particles are compressed, which causes them to vibrate faster and move at higher speeds. The Large Hadron Collider in Geneva uses this concept and has achieved 99.99% the speed of light.

Magnetic explosions

In correlation with the electromagnetic fields, the speed of light can be achieved through magnetic explosions. Such explosions involve the intersection of two or more magnetic fields that causes a repulsion due to the changing magnetic flux. Particles in this field vibrate at high frequencies that cause them to move at high speeds, enough to potentially reach the speed of light.

Wave-particle interactions

Lastly, the speed of light can possibly be achieved through the intersection of two electromagnetic waves with different frequencies and wavelengths, called wave-particle interactions. The particles keep oscillating between the two fields, similar to a ball bouncing off two walls. The high frequency of the waves causes an increase in the kinetic energy, and consequently the speed, plausibly being as fast as the speed of light.

Conclusion

In essence, although achieving the speed of light is theoretically challenging, using electromagnetic fields and waves can open avenues to achieve the speed, allowing the human race to reach new heights of space-time exploration. 

Artwork by Elva Yang

Works Cited

May, A. and Dobrijevic, D. (2022). The Large Hadron Collider: Inside CERN’s atom smasher. [online] Space.com. Available at: https://www.space.com/large-hadron-collider-particle-accelerator [Accessed 20 Feb. 2024].

Mersmann, K. (2019). Three Ways to Travel at (Nearly) the Speed of Light - NASA. [online] NASA. Available at: https://www.nasa.gov/solar-system/three-ways-to-travel-at-nearly-the-speed-of-light/.

Petruzzello, M. (n.d.). Will Light-Speed Space Travel Ever Be Possible? [online] Encyclopedia Britannica. Available at: https://www.britannica.com/story/will-light-speed-space-travel-ever-be-possible.

Siegel, E. (2021). There’s Only One Way To Beat The Speed Of Light. [online] Forbes. Available at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/startswithabang/2021/05/12/theres-only-one-way-to-beat-the-speed-of-light/.