- #1
bozo the clown
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was wondering what set c to its speed ?
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Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the question of what determines the speed of light (c) and whether it is set by the properties of the vacuum or other factors. Participants explore theoretical implications and the relationship between physical constants and spacetime geometry.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Debate/contested
- Technical explanation
Main Points Raised
- One participant questions what sets the speed of light to its specific value.
- Another participant interprets this as an inquiry into why photons travel at c rather than any other speed.
- A participant states that the electrical and magnetic properties of the vacuum determine the value of c, referencing Maxwell's equations.
- Another participant raises the possibility that string theory might provide insights into why these properties set the value of c.
- One participant expresses skepticism about string theory's ability to define c as a specific value, suggesting it may only provide a range of possible values or equations dependent on c.
- A differing viewpoint is presented, arguing that c is a property determined by the geometry of spacetime, with vacuum properties being effects rather than causes.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the factors that determine the speed of light, with no consensus reached on whether it is primarily set by vacuum properties or the geometry of spacetime.
Contextual Notes
Participants acknowledge uncertainties regarding the definitions and implications of physical constants, as well as the limitations of current theories like string theory in addressing these questions.
- #2
Gokul43201
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was wondering what you really masgrgdffh ?
- #3
Gza
- 446
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Lol. Did you fall asleep on your keyboard before finishing that sentence?
And Bozo, c is the speed of light.
- #4
fbsthreads
- 36
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"was wondering what set c to its speed ?"
from what i can interpret from that badly written question, he wants to know what exactly sets a photons speed to C and not to any other velocity.
from what i can interpret from that badly written question, he wants to know what exactly sets a photons speed to C and not to any other velocity.
- #5
Gokul43201
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Gza said:Lol. Did you fall asleep on your keyboard before finishing that sentence?
No, but I wanted to be about as coherent as Bozo.
- #6
selfAdjoint
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The electrical and magnetic properties of the vacuum set the value of c, according to the Maxwell equations.
- #7
Janitor
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As a follow-up to what selfAdjoint wrote, is there any hope that string theory will help answer why "the electrical and magnetic properties of the vacuum set the value of c"?
- #8
FZ+
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My guess: probably not. ST will probably set out a range of possible values for c, or outline equations which will function if c is a certain value, or whatever. But I doubt it would mathematically define c to be a specific value as a matter of neccessity.
I don't think c is just set by magnetic properties of the vacuum, and so on. I think that c is a specific property set by the geometry of our particular spacetime, and that the permeability/permitivity constants are effects, rather than causes. But then again, I don't really know.
I don't think c is just set by magnetic properties of the vacuum, and so on. I think that c is a specific property set by the geometry of our particular spacetime, and that the permeability/permitivity constants are effects, rather than causes. But then again, I don't really know.
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