Measured lightspeed in general relativity and moving through space.

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of time slowing down when traveling at high speeds and using the Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation as a frame of reference. It is clarified that time is relative to the observer and there is no right or wrong speed for something. The speed of light remains constant regardless of the frame of reference. The conversation ends with an acknowledgement of understanding the mistake made.
  • #1
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Hey guys

I was just wondering the following. Since time slows down when traveling faster, and we move around 1.3 million miles per hour, using the CMBR as a frame of reference. Does this mean our perceived lightspeed is wrong? How fast would we measure time to travel if we managed to come to a complete stop?

Maybe, if the experiment could be done, this would cause the same problems as reaching speeds close to lightspeed?
 
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  • #2
I think you are misunderstanding the basic ideas. Time slows down relative to some observer. In your own coordinate system (relative to yourself) you are always motionless and time flows at a constant rate. There is no "wrong" or "correct" speed for something. The one thing that is NOT relative to an observer is the speed of light- it is the same no matter what your frame of reference is.
 
  • #3
Experiments suggest that the measured speed of light is c, locally, no matter the motions of source and observer.
 
  • #4
I now see the mistake I've made.

Thanks guys!
 

1. How is the speed of light measured in general relativity?

In general relativity, the speed of light is measured using a technique called the Shapiro delay. This involves measuring the time delay of light as it travels through the curved spacetime around massive objects, such as stars or planets.

2. Does the speed of light change when moving through space in general relativity?

According to the principles of general relativity, the speed of light is constant regardless of the observer's frame of reference or the motion of the source. This means that the speed of light remains the same even when an observer is moving through space.

3. How does general relativity explain the constant speed of light?

In general relativity, the constant speed of light is explained by the concept of spacetime curvature. Massive objects, such as planets or stars, create a curvature in the fabric of spacetime, and light follows this curvature. This allows the speed of light to remain constant regardless of the observer's frame of reference.

4. Can the speed of light be exceeded in general relativity?

No, the speed of light cannot be exceeded in general relativity. According to the theory, the speed of light is the maximum speed at which all particles and information can travel. This is a fundamental principle in the theory of relativity.

5. How does general relativity relate to Einstein's famous equation, E=mc²?

General relativity and Einstein's famous equation, E=mc², are closely related. In general relativity, the curvature of spacetime is determined by the distribution of matter and energy within it. This means that mass and energy are essentially different forms of the same thing, and can be converted into one another according to the equation E=mc².

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