Light Slowed to 70 Km/h: Causes & Effects

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the phenomenon of light being slowed down in various mediums, specifically referencing instances where light has been reported to travel at speeds as low as 70 km/h. Participants explore the causes of this effect, questioning whether it is due to the behavior of photons or the interactions with the medium.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that light travels slower in mediums like water compared to a vacuum and expresses curiosity about the mechanisms behind this slowing, questioning if it is due to photons bouncing around or changing speed.
  • The same participant seeks clarification on whether photons actually change speed and, if so, what the underlying reasons might be.
  • Another participant suggests consulting the FAQ in the General Physics forum for additional information.
  • A later reply welcomes the original poster to the forum and encourages continued questioning.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus reached in the discussion, as participants have not yet provided definitive answers to the questions raised regarding the nature of light's speed in different mediums.

A.I.
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I understand that the speed of light in different mediums (like water) is slower than that of light in a vaccume. I've also read about some expiriments done in which light had been slowed down to a quite imaginable speed, like 70 Km/h. What causes light to slow down in such instances? Is it just bouncing around a lot, or do the photons actually change speed? If the photons chance speed, WHY?!
 
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You may want to start by reading an entry in the FAQ in the General Physics forum.

Zz.
 
Ah! Sorry, I'll check that first next time.
Thank you for your help.
 
Nevertheless A.I. welcome to these Forums and keep asking the questions! :smile:

Garth
 

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