Can a beam of light appear to have different trajectories?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the behavior of a beam of light when observed from different inertial reference frames. Specifically, it examines a scenario where a beam of light is emitted at a 30-degree angle from the x-axis and questions the speed of another inertial frame moving along the x-axis where the light appears at a 90-degree angle. The conclusion drawn is that while the speed of light remains constant at c in all inertial frames, its trajectory can appear altered due to the relative motion of the observer. This leads to the understanding that no reference frame can move at the speed of light, yet the direction of light can change based on the observer's frame of reference.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of inertial reference frames in physics
  • Familiarity with the concept of the speed of light (c)
  • Basic knowledge of vector components in physics
  • Grasp of relativistic effects on light propagation
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of special relativity and Lorentz transformations
  • Explore the concept of light propagation in different inertial frames
  • Learn about the implications of the invariance of the speed of light
  • Investigate the effects of relative motion on the perception of light direction
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, particularly those studying special relativity, educators explaining light behavior in different frames, and anyone interested in the fundamental principles of light and motion.

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Homework Statement


In an inertial reference frame, a beam of light is shone 30 degrees from the x-axis. What is the speed of another inertial reference frame along the x-axis where the beam of light is 90 degrees from the x-axis?

Homework Equations



Can't really think of any equations that would be applicable to this.

The Attempt at a Solution



My reasoning is that this is impossible, which is an option. The speed of light is c in all inertial reference frames, and to the observer in the primed frame, the light would not have its trajectory changed as it is always going at c with respect to them. One of the options is c, which I can understand being the answer as the light would not be moving with respect to the observer in the x-axis, and would have to be in the y-axis. But isn't this impossible - no reference frame can move at c?
 
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The speed of light cannot change, but its direction (its velocity) does if you change the reference frame.

This might be easier to see with the opposite direction: Have a beam of light shine orthogonal to the x-axis in reference frame A, now move along the x-axis. Do you expect the light to be still orthogonal to the x-axis? Where would it hit a distant wall in that case, and does that agree with frame A?
 

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