The discussion revolves around the possibility of deriving x-y-z vectors for the speed of light (c) in three-dimensional Cartesian space and whether it is feasible to observe or measure the motion of a photon along a specific axis, such as the x-axis.
Participants express differing views on the nature of coordinate systems and the measurement of a photon's motion, indicating that multiple competing perspectives remain without a clear consensus.
There are unresolved assumptions regarding the interpretation of coordinate systems and the implications of measuring a photon's motion in different frames of reference.
Pengwuino said:Also, remember, coordinate axis are abstract concepts. When we see photons, they're flying off wherever the hell they feel like and we could arbitrarily assign an axis so that the photon is propagating along it.
It's up to you how you choose to align your coordinates. It will be easier if the photon moves parallel to one axis, but in general it will have velocity components of v = (vx, vy, vz) where<br /> v_x^2 + v_y^2 + v_z^2 = c^2<br />And then the equation of motion will be<br /> \mathbf{r} = \mathbf{r}_0 + \mathbf{v}t<br />Hippasos said:Ok, so in the case of photon we are always measuring the resultant c (coordinates fixed and aligned to the photon no matter howewer the observer assigns his/her coordinates. So obviously one shouldn't think resultant c = sum of all three velocity vector components (axes) in 3d space.