The discussion centers around the concept of proper time in the context of photons and special relativity. Participants explore whether stating that proper time equals zero for a photon is equivalent to saying that proper time does not apply to it. The conversation touches on definitions, implications, and interpretations of proper time, particularly in relation to light-like paths and the nature of spacetime intervals.
Participants express differing views on the applicability of proper time to photons, with no consensus reached. Some agree that proper time cannot apply to photons, while others argue that it can be defined as zero under certain conventions. The discussion also reveals competing interpretations of cosmological expansion and its implications for measuring distances and velocities.
Participants highlight limitations in definitions and assumptions regarding proper time and spacetime intervals, as well as the complexities introduced by cosmological expansion. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the implications of these concepts.
The claim that "the laws of physics are the same in all inertial reference frames" entails no prediction whatsoever about what the laws of physics are like in non-existent reference frames.Nick666 said:From what I know, the laws of physics being the same in all referential frames is usually interpreted with specific examples where if in one frame a rope breaks that means that it must break in all other reference frames, so I'm trying to understand how does a non-existing referential frame agree with the fact that in our reference frame the photon has certain laws.
So then how come we from our frame of reference know or are so convinced that our laws of the photon are true ? (I sense maybe its a stupid question but I had to do it)jbriggs444 said:entails no prediction whatsoever about what the laws of physics are like in non-existent reference frames.
Nick666 said:So then how come we from our frame of reference know or are so convinced that our laws of the photon are true ? (I sense maybe its a stupid question but I had to do it)
No, because when someone says "the laws of physics are the same in all reference frames", they are being a bit sloppy with the English language. It would be more accurate (but sounds clumsier, which is why we don't often say it this way) to say "The law of physics produce the same results no matter what reference frame you use to assign times and positions to events". Phrased this way, it is clear that the aws of physics apply to everything, whether we can find a reference frame in which it is at rest or not.Nick666 said:Just so I don't open another thread.
If the photon doesn't have a referential frame, and relativity says the laws of physics are the same in all referential frames, can't one say that the laws of physics are ...not...the same for the photon ?