Velocity of a photon from its own reference frame

In summary, the conversation discusses the contradiction of a photon being both at rest and moving at the speed of light, and whether or not a reference frame for a photon exists. It is concluded that the reference frame of a photon is excluded without additional assumptions due to the definition of a reference frame and the axiom of relativity.
  • #1
sri sharan
32
0
So what will it see it self as?? At rest or moving a velocity c? Either way it seems to be a contradiction, so does that mean a photon can't be reference frame?
 
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  • #2
Exactly. See our FAQ, [thread]511170[/thread].
 
  • #3
Hmm, shouldn't that be an assumption in Special relativity as well, along with equivalence of all inertial frame, and the light speed one.

or

does it mean that a photon reference frame simply doesn't and cannot exist
 
  • #4
sri sharan said:
Hmm, shouldn't that be an assumption in Special relativity as well, along with equivalence of all inertial frame, and the light speed one.

or

does it mean that a photon reference frame simply doesn't and cannot exist

Extra assumption not needed. Definition of reference frame of an (inertial) observer: frame in which observer is at rest. Axiom of relativity: light moves at c in all reference frames. Then the reference frame of a photon requires it to simultaneously be at rest and move at c. Contraction. Such a frame is excluded without additional assumptions.
 
  • #5
yes, I see it now
 

1. What is the velocity of a photon from its own reference frame?

The velocity of a photon from its own reference frame is always constant and is equal to the speed of light in a vacuum, which is approximately 299,792,458 meters per second.

2. How is the velocity of a photon measured from its own reference frame?

The velocity of a photon is measured using the principles of Special Relativity. This involves measuring the time and distance between two events and calculating the velocity using the formula v = d/t.

3. Can the velocity of a photon change in its own reference frame?

No, the velocity of a photon is always constant and cannot be changed in its own reference frame. This is one of the fundamental principles of Special Relativity.

4. What is the significance of the velocity of a photon from its own reference frame?

The constant velocity of a photon in its own reference frame is important in understanding the behavior and properties of light. It also plays a crucial role in various theories and equations in physics, such as the famous equation E=mc².

5. How does the velocity of a photon from its own reference frame compare to the velocity from an outside observer?

According to the principles of Special Relativity, the velocity of a photon from its own reference frame will always appear to be the same to an outside observer, regardless of their relative velocities. This is known as the principle of relativity.

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