Understanding the Frame Dependence of the Speed of Light in a Medium

In summary, the speed of light in a vacuum is constant for all inertial frames, but in a medium it can be slowed down significantly. This indicates that the speed of light in a medium is frame dependent. Additionally, the Lorentz transformation for time can be rearranged to show that gamma(v) is equal to gamma(-v), which may help explain why the speed of light is frame dependent in a medium. Further clarification on this topic can be found in the FAQ section of the General Physics forum.
  • #1
madness
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The speed of light in a vacuum is c in all inertial frames. What about in a medium? Light in a superfluid can be slowed to a few miles per hour, so if this speed was the same for all inertial observers, relativistic effects would be very noticeable on an everyday speed-scale. This doesn't happen, so the speed of light must be frame dependent in a medium. Is there a relation that describes this, or some explanation of why this is the case?
Another thing that is confusing me is this: the Lorentz transformation for time is
t' = gamma(v)[t-vx/c^2], rearranging gives
t = t'/gamma(v)+vx/c^2
which is not what i get from the lorentz transform in reverse
t = gamma(-v)[t'+vx/c^2], where gamma(v) = gamma(-v)
Hopefully someone can point out my mistake. Thanks.
 
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  • #2
Hint1: That "speed of light" that is being measured is the group velocity.

Hint2: You may want to read one of the entries in the FAQ sticky located in the General Physics forum.

Zz.
 
  • #3
t = gamma(-v)[t'+vx/c^2]
should be
t = gamma(-v)[t'+vx'/c^2]
 

What is the speed of light in a medium?

The speed of light in a medium is the speed at which light travels through a substance, such as air, water, or glass. It is different from the speed of light in a vacuum, which is approximately 299,792,458 meters per second.

How does the speed of light in a medium differ from the speed of light in a vacuum?

The speed of light in a vacuum is constant and does not change, while the speed of light in a medium can vary depending on the substance it is passing through. This is because the atoms in the medium can interact with the light, slowing it down.

What factors can affect the speed of light in a medium?

The speed of light in a medium can be affected by the density and composition of the medium. It can also be affected by temperature and pressure, as well as the frequency and wavelength of the light.

Why is the speed of light in a medium important?

Understanding the speed of light in a medium is important for various scientific and technological applications, such as telecommunications, fiber optics, and medical imaging. It also helps us better understand the behavior of light and the properties of different substances.

Can the speed of light in a medium be faster than the speed of light in a vacuum?

No, the speed of light in a vacuum is considered to be the ultimate speed limit in the universe. While the speed of light in a medium can be slower than the speed of light in a vacuum, it cannot exceed it.

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