Calculations

by Dennis Weingart

     Since the speed of light is approximately 299,792 kilometers per second (186,282.112 miles per second), in order to calculate how long it would take to reach the speed of light by doubling your speed every second, we can set up an equation:

Let's assume your initial speed is 0.621371 miles per second and you double your speed every second.

After \(n\) seconds, your speed will be \(2^n\) kilometers per second.

We want to find the value of \(n\) such that \(2^n = 299,792\).

Solving for \(n\) using logarithms:

\[2^n = 299,792\]

\[n \cdot \log(2) = \log(299,792)\]

\[n = \frac{\log(299,792)}{\log(2)}\]

\[n \approx 18.5\]

Therefore, it would take approximately 18.5 seconds to travel at the speed of light if you double your speed every second.