Does this experiment prove that light speed is actually faster?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around an experiment proposed to demonstrate whether light speed is instantaneous, using a taut clothesline and clothespins as a model. Participants explore the implications of this experiment in relation to the speed of light, questioning the validity and relevance of the proposed setup.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that touching one clothespin causes the other to move instantly, proposing this as evidence for instantaneous light speed.
  • Others argue that the movement is not instantaneous but rather occurs at the speed of sound in the clothesline, which is significantly slower than the speed of light.
  • Concerns are raised about the nature of the proposed experiment, with one participant stating that it does not qualify as an experiment unless it is conducted.
  • Participants question the relevance of the experiment to the behavior of light, noting that light is not involved in the proposed setup.
  • There are critiques regarding the quality of the initial post and the lack of engagement with clarifying questions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus; there are multiple competing views regarding the validity of the proposed experiment and its implications for understanding light speed.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations in the proposed experiment's assumptions and its dependence on the definitions of "instantaneous" and "experiment." The relevance of the clothesline model to light speed remains unresolved.

Rev. Cheeseman
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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?
 
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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.
 
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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.
 
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Question has been asked and answered, so the thread is now closed.
 
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