The nearest stars, apart from the Sun, are light-years away from Earth. If we are to investigate these stars, our space ships will have to travel at an appreciable fraction of the speed of light. (a) You are in charge of estimating the energy required to accelerate a 10,000 kg capsule from rest to 10 percent of the speed of light in one year. What is the minimum amount of energy that is required? (b) Compare your estimate to the amount of energy that the United States uses in a year about 5 x 1020 |). (c) Estimate the minimum average powerrequired of the propulsion system. ((a) 4.5 x 1018, (b) 0.9%, (c) 1.4 x 1011 W)

The nearest stars, apart from the Sun, are light-years away from Earth. If we are to investigate these stars, our space ships will have to travel at an appreciable fraction of the speed of light. (a) You are in charge of estimating the energy required to accelerate a 10,000 kg capsule from rest to 10 percent of the speed of light in one year. What is the minimum amount of energy that is required? (b) Compare your estimate to the amount of energy that the United States uses in a year about 5 x 1020 |). (c) Estimate the minimum average powerrequired of the propulsion system. ((a) 4.5 x 1018, (b) 0.9%, (c) 1.4 x 1011 W)