Does this experiment prove that light speed is actually faster?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers around a proposed experiment using a taut clothesline and clothespins to demonstrate the speed of light. Participants clarify that the movement observed is not instantaneous but rather occurs at the speed of sound in the clothesline, which is significantly slower than the speed of light (c). The consensus is that the experiment does not involve light and fails to provide any valid conclusions about its speed. The thread concludes with a statement regarding the quality of the initial proposal and the need for clearer understanding.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, particularly speed and propagation of waves.
  • Knowledge of the difference between light speed (c) and sound speed in various mediums.
  • Familiarity with experimental design principles in scientific inquiry.
  • Critical thinking skills to evaluate claims and evidence in scientific discussions.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties of sound waves in different materials, focusing on tension and speed of propagation.
  • Study the principles of light speed and its implications in physics, particularly in relativity.
  • Explore the scientific method and criteria for valid experimental design.
  • Investigate common misconceptions about speed and instantaneous effects in physics.
USEFUL FOR

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

Rev. Cheeseman
Messages
360
Reaction score
21
Some people thought light speed is actually instantaneous which can be demonstrated by doing an experiment involving a taut clothesline and two clothespins. On each ends of the taut clothesline, put one of the clothespins on both ends and touch one of the clothespin will make the other one at the other end moves instantly. Does this experiment demonstrated that light speed is instantaneous?
 
  • Haha
Likes   Reactions: davenn
Science news on Phys.org
wonderingchicken said:
touch one of the clothespin will make the other one at the other end moves instantly
What would make you believe that this is true?

It is far from instant. It would move at the speed of sound in the close line which is far far far smaller than c, and not even remotely instantaneously.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: scottdave and davenn
wonderingchicken said:
On each ends of the taut clothesline, put one of the clothespins on both ends and touch one of the clothespin will make the other one at the other end moves instantly.
Not instantly, but is delayed by the speed of sound in the clothesline, which depends on the tension.
 
A. This is not an experiment. It's not an experiment unless you do it.
B. Light is not involved. How can it tell you anything about light?
C. You have a history of low quality thread starts. You also have a history of wandering off when asked clarifying questions. Neither will help you understand.
 
  • Like
  • Wow
Likes   Reactions: davenn and Rev. Cheeseman
Question has been asked and answered, so the thread is now closed.
 
  • Like
  • Skeptical
Likes   Reactions: davenn and Rev. Cheeseman

Similar threads

  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
2K
  • · Replies 34 ·
2
Replies
34
Views
4K
  • · Replies 93 ·
4
Replies
93
Views
6K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K