The discussion revolves around the nature of the speed of light, particularly its constancy across different reference frames, and the implications of this concept as derived from both theoretical thought experiments and empirical evidence. Participants explore the relationship between Maxwell's equations, the Michelson-Morley experiment, and Einstein's thought experiments.
Participants express differing views on the importance of the Michelson-Morley experiment versus theoretical considerations from Einstein's thought experiments. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the necessity and implications of both approaches.
There are unresolved questions regarding the relationship between theoretical models and experimental validation, as well as the implications of Maxwell's equations in different reference frames.
Janus said:The point is that according to Maxwell's equations, if you could move at a different speed than c relative to a light beam(as measured by you), then for you, the electromagnetic wave that the light consists of would vanish.
The practical result of this would be that unless you were perfectly at rest with respect to a light source, you wouldn't be able to see it, car radios wouldn't pick up any stations while driving down the road, etc.
Since none of this happens, we conclude that electromagnetic waves are measured as moving at c in every reference frame.
Meir Achuz said:Einstein's was a "gedanken experiment".
Physics requires real experiments.