Is there a value for the acceleration of light?

Thread starter John Clement Husain
Start date Apr 27, 2017
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Acceleration Light Value

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The discussion centers on the concept of light's acceleration, questioning whether it has a defined value. It highlights the confusion regarding the application of the formula for acceleration, particularly since light does not have an initial velocity. Participants note that in a vacuum, light travels at a constant speed, leading to the conclusion that its coordinate acceleration in an inertial frame is effectively zero. The conversation emphasizes the unique nature of light's behavior compared to other objects. Ultimately, the consensus is that light does not accelerate in the traditional sense.

Apr 27, 2017

John Clement Husain

Is there a value for the acceleration of light? I tried to use a = v²-v₀²/2(x-x₀) but then I just knew that light has no initial velocity so it can't be 0.

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Apr 27, 2017

Dale

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John Clement Husain said:

Is there a value for the acceleration of light?

0 (coordinate acceleration in an inertial frame)

Apr 27, 2017

John Clement Husain

ah, I see

Apr 27, 2017

DrStupid

Dale said:

0 (coordinate acceleration in an inertial frame)

in vacuum

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