Concept of the stability of the speed of light

In summary, the concept of the stability of the speed of light is a complex one, as the speed of light is intricately woven into our reference point and dependent on various constants. Current atomic clocks, which are used to measure the speed of light, are unable to determine if the objective speed of light is varying. However, there are other methods of measuring the speed of light that do not rely on the rate of nuclear decay that could potentially provide more accurate results. However, there is limited research being done in this area due to the difficulty of the question. It is important to study mainstream science in order to gain a better understanding of this topic.
  • #1
Graham P
Help with the question of the concept of the stability of the speed of light. I gather that current atomic clocks are based upon the speed of the electron around their nucleus, which is a function of the speed of light. Measurements of the speed of light that depend upon atomic clocks therefore are unable to discriminate whether the objective speed of light is varying. IE, all they can do is ascertain what it is at the moment with respect to the rate of nuclear decay...which like the electron speed is also a function of the speed of light. Is it possible to objectively measure the speed of light, seeing as it is so intricately interwoven with our reference point?
 
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  • #2
Graham P said:
Help with the question of the concept of the stability of the speed of light. I gather that current atomic clocks are based upon the speed of the electron around their nucleus, which is a function of the speed of light. Measurements of the speed of light that depend upon atomic clocks therefore are unable to discriminate whether the objective speed of light is varying. IE, all they can do is ascertain what it is at the moment with respect to the rate of nuclear decay...which like the electron speed is also a function of the speed of light. Is it possible to objectively measure the speed of light, seeing as it is so intricately interwoven with our reference point?
Are you asking if it's possible to measure and calculate the speed of light and see if it's still the same as last time?
 
  • #3
nitsuj said:
Are you asking if it's possible to measure and calculate the speed of light and see if it's still the same as last time?
Yeah. But using some other means that doesn't depend on the rate of nuclear decay.
 
  • #6
the link kindly supplied by bandersnatch relates to a file that is from 2005. Which is a long time ago, considering technical progress! It seems to indicate that no money is being spent on this question due to the fact that the community considers it too difficult. It links variously to http://math.ucr.edu/home/baez/physics/ParticleAndNuclear/constants.html. It says that c depends on various constants, which is undoubtedly true, but it looks like it is not c that depends so much on those constants, but the measuring technique that depends on them... for example photons in a vacuum probably aren't too bothered by the mass and electro-magnetic force ratios of two electrons..which takes us back to the start.
 
  • #7
Thread closed temporarily for Moderation...
 
  • #8
@Graham P -- The PF is a mainstream scientific website. We do not allow challenges to mainstream science here. the Mentors will re-open this thread for a couple of replies to try to help you with links and resources to answer your literal questions. Then it will be re-closed. Please try to study mainstream science more in your learning. That is the best way to learn about reality.

Thread is re-opened for a bit...
 

What is the concept of the stability of the speed of light?

The concept of the stability of the speed of light refers to the fact that the speed of light in a vacuum is considered to be a constant, meaning it does not change regardless of the observer's frame of reference.

Why is the stability of the speed of light important in physics?

The stability of the speed of light is important in physics because it serves as a fundamental constant that plays a crucial role in many theories and equations, such as Einstein's theory of relativity. It also helps to establish a universal reference frame for measuring the movement of objects and the passing of time.

Has the stability of the speed of light been proven experimentally?

Yes, the stability of the speed of light has been experimentally proven through various methods, such as the Michelson-Morley experiment and the observation of the redshift of light from distant galaxies. These experiments have consistently shown that the speed of light remains constant regardless of the observer's motion or location.

Is there any evidence that suggests the speed of light may not be constant?

So far, there is no evidence that suggests the speed of light is not constant. However, some theories, such as string theory, propose the existence of extra dimensions that could potentially affect the speed of light. But these theories have not been proven and remain speculative.

What would happen to our understanding of the universe if the speed of light was not constant?

Our understanding of the universe would drastically change if the speed of light was not constant. It would challenge many fundamental theories, such as the theory of relativity, and could potentially change our understanding of space, time, and the nature of reality. It would also require a major overhaul of how we currently measure and understand the movement of objects in the universe.

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