Angular Velocity of a source of light

In summary: The distance is the same for both lights, so we can set the two equations equal to each other to solve for ω:L/(c-v) = L/(c+v) + pi*r/vIn summary, the conversation discusses the concept of a non-constant speed of light and the implications it would have on the behavior of light. It also poses a question about the angular velocity of a binary star system and the time it takes for light emitted from the smaller star to reach Earth at different points in its orbit. The solution involves setting two equations equal to each other and solving for ω.
  • #1
Felipe Doria
2
0
This is not schoolwork.
Imagine that light did not have a constant speed, but behaved in the manner expected from experience. Namely, if the source of the light is rushing toward you, the light will approach you faster; if the source is rushing away from you, the light will approach you slower. This is incorrect, of course, but it's worth investigating the consequences of a non-constant speed of light because the failure to observe those consequences is evidence that the speed of light is constant. With that backdrop, consider a binary star system situated a very large distance L from Earth. Let the angular velocity of the smaller star be ω, as it orbits the larger star in a circle of radius r.
What value of ω=v/r will result in the light emitted when the smaller star is traveling directly away from Earth reaching us at the same moment as the light emitted later, when the smaller star's orbit has it moving directly toward earth? (choose one)
a) ω=(c/r)*sqrt((πr)/(2L+2πr))
b) ω=(c/r)*((πr)/(2L+πr))
c) ω=(c/r)*sqrt((πr)/(2L+πr))

I think that the time it takes for the light emitted from the smaller star when it is traveling directly away from Earth has to be equal to the time it takes for the light emitted later plus the time it takes to complete half an orbit. So:
t1 = t2 + t3
L/(c-v) = L/(c+v) + pi*r/v

How can I get the answer from this? Thank you for your help.
 
Science news on Phys.org
  • #2
Felipe Doria said:
This is not schoolwork.
Imagine that light did not have a constant speed, but behaved in the manner expected from experience.
"from experience" the speed of light in invariant - but I get what you mean:

Namely, if the source of the light is rushing toward you, the light will approach you faster; if the source is rushing away from you, the light will approach you slower.
... you mean, what if light obeyed Galilean relativity.

This is incorrect, of course, but it's worth investigating the consequences of a non-constant speed of light because the failure to observe those consequences is evidence that the speed of light is constant.
See "Michealson-Morely experiment" for an example of this sort of calculation.

With that backdrop, consider a binary star system situated a very large distance L from Earth. Let the angular velocity of the smaller star be ω, as it orbits the larger star in a circle of radius r.
What value of ω=v/r will result in the light emitted when the smaller star is traveling directly away from Earth reaching us at the same moment as the light emitted later, when the smaller star's orbit has it moving directly toward earth? (choose one)
a) ω=(c/r)*sqrt((πr)/(2L+2πr))
b) ω=(c/r)*((πr)/(2L+πr))
c) ω=(c/r)*sqrt((πr)/(2L+πr))

I think that the time it takes for the light emitted from the smaller star when it is traveling directly away from Earth has to be equal to the time it takes for the light emitted later plus the time it takes to complete half an orbit.

The time is also the distance to the Earth divided by the velocity of the light.
 

What is Angular Velocity of a source of light?

Angular velocity of a source of light refers to the rate at which the light source rotates around a central axis. It is measured in radians per second and is used to determine the speed and direction of the light source.

How is Angular Velocity of a source of light calculated?

Angular velocity can be calculated by dividing the angular displacement of the light source by the time it takes for the source to complete one full rotation. It can also be calculated by dividing the linear velocity of the light source by the distance from the source to the central axis.

What factors can affect the Angular Velocity of a source of light?

The angular velocity of a light source can be affected by factors such as its distance from the central axis, its mass, and any external forces acting upon it. Other factors like air resistance and friction can also play a role in determining the angular velocity.

How does Angular Velocity of a source of light impact the properties of light?

The angular velocity of a light source can impact the properties of light in various ways. For example, it can affect the frequency and wavelength of the light, as well as the direction and intensity of the light beams. A higher angular velocity can also result in a more focused and concentrated beam of light.

Why is understanding Angular Velocity of a source of light important in science?

Understanding angular velocity is important in science because it allows us to accurately measure and predict the behavior of light sources. It is also a key factor in various fields such as astronomy, optics, and engineering, where the movement and direction of light sources play a crucial role in experiments and applications.

Similar threads

Replies
10
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
616
Replies
5
Views
5K
Replies
6
Views
951
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
3
Views
475
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
28
Views
2K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
33
Views
2K
Back
Top