Calculating the Speed of Light Around the Earth in One Day

In summary, the speed of light, denoted by the symbol c, is a fundamental constant of the universe and is approximately 299,792,458 meters per second in a vacuum. It was first measured by Danish astronomer Ole Rømer in 1676 using observations of the eclipses of Jupiter's moon Io. According to Einstein's theory of relativity, the speed of light is the ultimate speed limit in the universe and no object with mass can travel faster. It plays a crucial role in many technologies we use every day, such as fiber optic communication and satellite navigation. While current scientific understanding suggests that the speed of light has always been constant, some theories suggest it may have been different in the early stages of the universe's
  • #1
filo1111
2
0
Speed of light...question

I've just started physics and I'm having difficulty with this problem.I'd really appreciate some help with how to go about doing it!Thanks!

'The speed of light is 299800000 m/s. How many times could a light beam
travel around the Earth in one day (the radius of the Earth is 6370 km)'

Do I need to get the circumference of the Earth first?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
yup get the circumference and distance covered by light in a day
 
  • #3
will try that!thanks!
 

1. What is the speed of light?

The speed of light, denoted by the symbol c, is a fundamental constant of the universe and is approximately 299,792,458 meters per second in a vacuum. This means that light travels about 186,282 miles per second.

2. How was the speed of light first measured?

The first successful measurement of the speed of light was conducted by Danish astronomer Ole Rømer in 1676. He used observations of the eclipses of Jupiter's moon Io to calculate the time it took for light to travel from Jupiter to Earth.

3. Can anything travel faster than the speed of light?

According to Einstein's theory of relativity, the speed of light is the ultimate speed limit in the universe. No object with mass can travel faster than the speed of light. However, there are still ongoing scientific debates and experiments exploring the possibility of faster-than-light travel.

4. How does the speed of light affect our daily lives?

Although it may seem like the speed of light has little impact on our daily lives, it actually plays a crucial role in many technologies we use every day. This includes fiber optic communication, satellite navigation, and even the functioning of our smartphones.

5. Has the speed of light always been constant?

According to current scientific understanding, the speed of light has been constant since the beginning of the universe. However, some theories suggest that the speed of light may have been different in the early stages of the universe's evolution. This is still an area of ongoing research and debate in the scientific community.

Similar threads

(Introductory SR) Light sent from a spaceship received by Earth
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
808
Time Dilation & 2 Atomic Clocks (one in orbit)
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
2K
Intensity of Stars and the Inverse Square Law Problem
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
2K
Fizeau's Experiment (Speed of light)
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
3K
Deflection of light passing the Sun
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
778
Motion of a rocket with propellant exhaust gas speed = constant
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
846
Time dilation and length contraction for a rocket
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
12
Views
2K
Frames of Reference and Time Dilation
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
914
I One-Way Speed of Light: Is it Possible?
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
12
Views
2K
B Light Speed In Forward and Backward Directions
    • Special and General Relativity
2
Replies
51
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top