The discussion centers on the concept of proper length in the context of general relativity, specifically addressing the assertion that the proper length of light is zero. Participants confirm that light does not possess a rest frame, which is essential for defining proper length. The Lorentz transformation is mentioned as a tool for understanding how measurements change across inertial frames, but it is clarified that light's constant speed at c means it cannot have a proper length. Thus, the conclusion is that light's proper length is inherently zero due to its nature.
PREREQUISITESStudents of physics, particularly those studying general relativity and special relativity, as well as educators and anyone interested in the properties of light and its behavior in different reference frames.
Proper length is the length of an object in its rest frame. Light doesn't HAVE a rest frame so doesn't have a proper length, unless you're using some different definition.DrHAO said:... how to certify the proper length of light is zero
phinds said:Light doesn't HAVE a rest frame