Constant speed of light in vaccum?

In summary, the speed of light remains constant even near a black hole. However, due to the warping of space-time, light approaching the event horizon will converge to a point and be unable to escape. This region is known as a trapped surface.
  • #1
violetS
2
0
Just find something very interesting..

If the speed of light is constant, at some distance from the black hole where light can neither escape the attraction of the black hole, nor succumb to its gravitation, what state is the light in? does it have a speed there?

...confused..
 
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  • #2
As radially infalling light approaches the event horizon of a spherical black hole, the (Schwarzschild) coordinate speed of the light approaches zero. However, an observer who happens to be falling throught the event horizon will, at the event horizon, measure the physical speed of the infalling light to be the standard speed of light.

Coordinate speeds and physical speeds are often different.
 
  • #3
got it

haha thanks a lot:wink:
 
  • #4
violetS said:
Just find something very interesting..

If the speed of light is constant, at some distance from the black hole where light can neither escape the attraction of the black hole, nor succumb to its gravitation, what state is the light in? does it have a speed there?

...confused..
The speed of light does not change.
What happens is when light approaches the black hole the warping of space-time causes the incoming light rays to converge to a point. In other words they cannot escape anymore, there is no longer a geodesic, they all have to go to that point.
The region were a return is no longer possible is called a trapped surface.
 
  • #5
Isn't the OP simply asking about escaping light being infinitely redshifted to zero?
 

1. What is the definition of the constant speed of light in vacuum?

The constant speed of light in vacuum, denoted by the symbol c, refers to the speed at which electromagnetic waves (such as light) travel through a vacuum. It is the fastest speed at which energy or information can travel through space.

2. Why is the speed of light in vacuum considered to be a constant?

The speed of light in vacuum is considered to be a constant because it does not change regardless of the observer's velocity or the source of the light. This is a fundamental principle in physics known as the principle of relativity.

3. How was the constant speed of light in vacuum determined?

The constant speed of light in vacuum was determined through various experiments, including the famous Michelson-Morley experiment in 1887. This experiment measured the speed of light in different directions and found that it was the same, providing evidence for the constant speed of light in vacuum.

4. Can anything travel faster than the speed of light in vacuum?

No, according to the theory of relativity, the speed of light in vacuum is the maximum speed at which energy or information can travel. Anything that has mass cannot reach or exceed the speed of light in vacuum.

5. How does the constant speed of light in vacuum affect our understanding of the universe?

The constant speed of light in vacuum is a fundamental principle in physics and is used in many theories, such as Einstein's theory of relativity. It has also led to the discovery of other important concepts, such as time dilation and length contraction, which have greatly influenced our understanding of the universe and the laws of physics.

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