- #1
lwymarie
- 90
- 1
recently many scientists think that light speed is not a constant. if it is true, then E=mc^2 does not hold because c is no longer a constant. Does it mean that E is not conserved? if yes, many theorems will be wrong...
marlon said:the varying constant-matter has been widely debated here ...
dextercioby said:It's very highly improbable that "c","hbar" and "e" to have varied over the billions of years in such way as to keep "alpha" constant...So how about quitting speculations?
The equation E=mc^2 is based on the assumption that the speed of light is constant. If the speed of light is not constant, this equation may not accurately calculate the energy of a given mass. Instead, a more complex equation, such as E=√(m^2c^4 + p^2c^2), may need to be used.
One piece of evidence is the observed phenomenon of redshift, where light from distant objects appears to have longer wavelengths than light from closer objects. This could suggest that the speed of light is decreasing over time. Additionally, some theories, such as the Variable Speed of Light (VSL) theory, propose that the speed of light may have varied in the past.
If the speed of light is not constant, it would greatly impact our understanding of the universe. Our current understanding of the universe is based on the assumption that the speed of light is constant, and many fundamental principles and equations, such as E=mc^2 and the theory of relativity, are built upon this assumption. A changing speed of light could potentially require a complete reevaluation of our understanding of the universe.
There are ongoing experiments, such as the OPERA experiment, that are attempting to measure the speed of neutrinos and see if it varies based on their energy levels. Additionally, future space missions, such as the Euclid mission, may be able to measure the speed of light in different regions of the universe and see if it varies.
A changing speed of light would have significant implications on many other scientific principles and theories, including the theory of relativity, quantum mechanics, and the Big Bang theory. It could also potentially impact our understanding of gravity, the behavior of particles, and the formation of the universe.