Speed of light measurements using different light source.

In summary, light speed measurements have been done using various light sources, all of which involve electrons. However, there have also been experiments measuring the speed of light from the decay of highly relativistic pions, which do not involve electrons. In the quantum world, photons can be produced in a variety of decays, including from neutral particles like pions. This challenges the classical understanding that electromagnetic radiation is only generated by charged particles changing velocity.
  • #1
Dilema
37
1
As far as I know all light speed measurements done using light sources that utilized electrons. The nominal light speed measurement used laser which is actually exited electrons. The speed of X-ray radiation from synchrotron used accelerated electrons. The speed of gamma radiation also involved with inhalation of electron and positron. The speed of RF is also involved with electrons modulation in coils and capacitors.

Are there any speed measurements of electromagnetic radiation coming say from oscillated or accelerated protons?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #3
Thanks DaleSpam
 
  • #4
Following the list provided by DaleSpam , the relativistic pion decay to 2 gamma photons as an electromagnetic source radiation in light speed measuring experiment. Is the only one of this type (namely light source that no electrons involve). Am I correct?
PS.
May be it is not the proper thread but how come a neutral (pion decay into 2 gammas) elementary entity generates electromagnetic radiation? As far as we learned, electromagnetic radiation generates only when charge entity changes its velocity (accelerates or decelerates, see oscillators)
 
  • #5
Back up a bit.

What makes you think that there is a difference in the type of EM radiation due to these different sources. Do you think EM radiation generated by accelerating protons, ions, etc. is different than those generated by electrons? What is the physics for this difference?

Zz.
 
  • #6
how come a neutral (pion decay into 2 gammas) elementary entity generates electromagnetic radiation?
A pion is not elementary, it's a quark-antiquark bound state. The Higgs boson is usually assumed to be elementary, but it can also decay into a quark-antiquark pair and from that into 2 gammas. A photon certainly does not 'remember' what type of particle emitted it.
 
  • #7
Dilema said:
May be it is not the proper thread but how come a neutral (pion decay into 2 gammas) elementary entity generates electromagnetic radiation?
A neutral pion is its own anti-particle, so it always exists as a superposition of the particle and anti-particle. This allows it to annhilate itself and decay into two photons, as happens with other particle-anti-particle annhilations.

Dilema said:
As far as we learned, electromagnetic radiation generates only when charge entity changes its velocity (accelerates or decelerates, see oscillators)
Maybe classically you can justify that statement, but in the quantum world photons are produced in order to conserve energy and momentum in a wide variety of decays.
 

1. How is the speed of light measured using different light sources?

The speed of light can be measured using various methods, such as time-of-flight measurements, interferometry, and frequency measurements. In these methods, the distance traveled by light and the time it takes to travel that distance are measured to calculate the speed of light.

2. Why is it important to use different light sources to measure the speed of light?

Using different light sources allows for a more accurate measurement of the speed of light. This is because different sources have different properties, such as wavelength and intensity, which can affect the speed of light. By using a variety of sources, scientists can account for these variations and obtain a more precise measurement.

3. Can the speed of light vary depending on the light source used?

Yes, the speed of light can vary depending on the light source used. This is because the speed of light is affected by the medium through which it travels. Different light sources may emit light in different mediums, leading to variations in the speed of light.

4. How do scientists ensure consistency in their speed of light measurements using different light sources?

To ensure consistency, scientists use standardized methods and equipment for measuring the speed of light. They also conduct multiple measurements using different light sources and compare the results to ensure accuracy. Additionally, they take into account any variations in the properties of the light sources being used.

5. Why is the speed of light considered a fundamental constant in physics?

The speed of light is considered a fundamental constant in physics because it is a universal physical constant that is independent of the observer's frame of reference. This means that the speed of light remains the same regardless of the source or observer's motion, making it a crucial concept in many fundamental theories and laws of physics.

Similar threads

  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
18
Views
1K
  • Special and General Relativity
2
Replies
45
Views
3K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
17
Views
674
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
13
Views
1K
  • Special and General Relativity
2
Replies
52
Views
4K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • Special and General Relativity
2
Replies
51
Views
3K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
14
Views
1K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
28
Views
1K
Back
Top