Can Light Speed Be Increased by Straightening Its Wave Path?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the misconception that light speed can be increased by straightening its wave path. Participants clarify that light is not merely a wave but involves oscillating electric and magnetic fields, which already propagate in a straight line as described by the Poynting vector. The idea that altering the path of light could enhance its speed is fundamentally flawed, as light speed in a vacuum remains constant regardless of wave frequency or path shape. Misunderstandings about the nature of light waves and their propagation are addressed, emphasizing the importance of accurate scientific concepts.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electromagnetic waves and their properties
  • Familiarity with the Poynting vector and its significance in wave propagation
  • Basic knowledge of wave frequency and its relationship to wave behavior
  • Conceptual grasp of the differences between transverse waves and other wave types
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties of electromagnetic waves and their behavior in different mediums
  • Study the Poynting vector and its applications in physics
  • Explore the relationship between wave frequency and wave speed in various contexts
  • Investigate common misconceptions about light and wave mechanics in physics
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the fundamental principles of light and wave propagation.

zuz
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If light travels in a wave, couldn't we "speed it up" by making it travel in a straight line?
 
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Can you do that with sound, or any wave? Sorry, but the idea doesn't really make sense (and light isn't really a wave anyway).
 
zuz said:
If light travels in a wave, couldn't we "speed it up" by making it travel in a straight line?
The waves are variations in the field vectors, not wiggles in the position. It travels in a straight line already
 
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russ_watters said:
Can you do that with sound, or any wave? Sorry, but the idea doesn't really make sense (and light isn't really a wave anyway).
I don't know. that's why I'm asking you. It seems like a fundamental question to me. Why can't we/any alien race do it?
 
zuz said:
Why can't we/any alien race do it?
See post 3
 
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zuz said:
If light travels in a wave, couldn't we "speed it up" by making it travel in a straight line?
Only the electric and the magnetic fields oscillate either side of zero. The energy in the wave already travels in a straight line that is called the Poynting vector.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poynting_vector
 
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zuz said:
that's why I'm asking you.

How about doing your own reasearch beforehand? You ask questions that can be answered by just basic google search. But as I see in your posting history, you prefere to throw those questions here. And that's not how PF works, at least in principle, because of course there will always be someone who answer those basic questions for you. But it's more about your attitude.
 
zuz said:
If light travels in a wave, couldn't we "speed it up" by making it travel in a straight line?
The distance along a sine wave depends on the frequency of the wave (a fact you should recognise, since a very low frequency wave is very near the straight line you want), so if your idea wasn't based on a misconception of what a light wave is (see #3 and #6) light speed would depend on frequency under all circumstances. That is not the case in vacuum - which is enough to tell you that your mental model of light is wrong.

As others have commented, a light wave does not involve anything moving up and down - it's oscillating field vectors.
 
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Thank you.
 
  • #10
zuz said:
If light travels in a wave, couldn't we "speed it up" by making it travel in a straight line?
If you straighten out a transverse wave, then you have no wave, and thus no light.
 
  • #11
A.T. said:
If you straighten out a transverse wave

And what does that mean?
 
  • #12
Baluncore said:
Only the electric and the magnetic fields oscillate either side of zero. The energy in the wave already travels in a straight line that is called the Poynting vector.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poynting_vector
Thank you.
 

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