Science Question

[OldBuzzard]

If you had a vehicle which could obtain incredible speeds like half light speed or something where the physics don’t start breaking down yet, could the vehicle, after obtaining said speed in the vacuum of space, maintain that speed with the engines shut down? Assuming it’s unaffected by any planetary or stellar gravitational forces? Yes, this is the kind of thing I think about in the middle of the night.

 

[ChicagoFats]

If you had a vehicle which could obtain incredible speeds like half light speed or something where the physics don’t start breaking down yet, could the vehicle, after obtaining said speed in the vacuum of space, maintain that speed with the engines shut down? Assuming it’s unaffected by any planetary or stellar gravitational forces? Yes, this is the kind of thing I think about in the middle of the night.

Yes, in a vacuum it would maintain speed as there is no resistance to slow it down.

 

[Cre8ive]

If you had a vehicle which could obtain incredible speeds like half light speed or something where the physics don’t start breaking down yet, could the vehicle, after obtaining said speed in the vacuum of space, maintain that speed with the engines shut down? Assuming it’s unaffected by any planetary or stellar gravitational forces? Yes, this is the kind of thing I think about in the middle of the night.

I would say it would maintain its momentum.

 

[Cyberty]

The above responses are correct.

Newton's first law of motion – sometimes referred to as the law of inertia states that an object at rest stays at rest, and an object in motion stays in motion with the same speed and in the same direction unless acted upon by an unbalanced force.

 

[rCW702]

 

[BurntJ]

If you had a vehicle which could obtain incredible speeds like half light speed or something where the physics don’t start breaking down yet, could the vehicle, after obtaining said speed in the vacuum of space, maintain that speed with the engines shut down? Assuming it’s unaffected by any planetary or stellar gravitational forces? Yes, this is the kind of thing I think about in the middle of the night.

If this were Math…I would have you.

but since it’s science….I would refer you to Dr. Faaki……

Then tell you to just do the EXACT OPPOSITE OF THAT IDIOT!

so nevermind….glad I could help!

 

[Long Cat V2.0]

Ever heard of an ion drive?

https://www.universetoday.com/123254/ion-propulsion-the-key-to-deep-space-exploration/

 

[TopHook]

Yes, in a vacuum it would maintain speed as there is no resistance to slow it down.

Would you ever slow down or would you need some kindly of reverse thrusters?

 

[ChicagoFats]

Would you ever slow down or would you need some kindly of reverse thrusters?

IMO you would never slow down. There is no wind, no resistance, no friction in a theoretical vaccum.

 

[CBradSmith]

Gravity would influence speed and direction.

 

[Rebarcock.]

Ever heard of an ion drive?

https://www.universetoday.com/123254/ion-propulsion-the-key-to-deep-space-exploration/

I don't know exactly how it works but i have heard about it.
We need to be beyond that IMHO though

 

[Rebarcock.]

Until an equal and opposite reaction happens inertia continues.
Like a motherinlaw

 

[RJ2kWJ]

First two responses are correct. Momentum would maintain as long as it’s not near a gravitational body.