Light Speed: Distance & Time Explained

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the relationship between distance, speed, and time, specifically in the context of the speed of light. The equation D=S*T is highlighted, but confusion arises with the introduction of an arbitrary "7" in the equation. Participants clarify that distance is measured by rulers and time by clocks, emphasizing that these definitions are foundational in physics. The concept of spacetime is addressed, noting that it is a complex mathematical structure rather than a simple fabric analogy. Overall, the conversation underscores the importance of understanding basic physics principles without introducing unnecessary complexities.
Dorky0
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Hello forums,

I'm kind of new nice to meet you guys and girls,

Could someone please explain this to me?

D=S * TTherefore Distance = Speed of light * TimeAnd then Distance = Speed of light + 7 * TimeWhat is Distance and what is time?
 
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If you increase the speed,then the time required decreases to cover the same distance.

Is there anyway to decrease the speed of time so that the speed of light increases, perhaps in all honesty change the distance too because I heard that there is a fabric to space.
 
Welcome to PF!

I'm sorry, but this all really doesn't make any sense. The equation says if you go a certain speed for a certain time you go a certain distance. That's it. Not sure why you'd throw a "7" in there...

And the speed of light and rate of passage of time are always the same for you.
 
Dorky0 said:
Is there anyway to decrease the speed of time so that the speed of light increases, perhaps in all honesty change the distance too because I heard that there is a fabric to space.

There is no such way. And spacetime is not a fabric. That's an extremely simplified analogy that doesn't represent the full picture, namely that spacetime is represented mathematically by a 4D manifold.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spacetime_topology

Dorky0 said:
What is Distance and what is time?

Distance is that which a ruler measures, and time is that which a clock measures. :wink:
Seriously. That is a basic definition of distance and time. Even Einstein's papers on Relativity use a form of these basic definitions and our ways of teaching relativity involve problems in which we literally insert clocks into different frames of reference. There is no confusion or ambiguity in nearly all of physics about what these things are. If you hear otherwise, then you are dealing with highly theoretical physics, something outside of physics (such as philosophy), or you're dealing with someone who doesn't know what they are talking about.
 
russ_watters said:
Not sure why you'd throw a "7" in there...
Days of the week? :smile:

Thread is now closed.
 
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