One way speed of light in one reference frame measurement

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the feasibility of measuring the one-way speed of light using a setup involving two clocks with photo detectors positioned 100 kilometers apart. The proposed method involves synchronizing the clocks with light pulses sent to both, followed by a light signal from A to B. However, participants assert that any measurement of one-way speed necessitates a synchronization convention, which inherently assumes isotropy of light speed. Thus, the experiment cannot definitively measure the one-way speed of light without this assumption.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the principles of light synchronization in physics
  • Familiarity with isotropy in the context of light speed
  • Knowledge of experimental setups involving atomic clocks
  • Basic grasp of the implications of the one-way speed of light in relativity
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of synchronization conventions in measuring light speed
  • Explore experiments related to isotropy of light speed, such as the Michelson-Morley experiment
  • Investigate the role of atomic clocks in precision timekeeping and synchronization
  • Study the theoretical frameworks surrounding the one-way speed of light in special relativity
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, researchers in the field of relativity, and students studying the nature of light and its measurement will benefit from this discussion.

morrobay
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Two clocks with photo detectors are 100 kilometers apart at A and B. On the center of AB axis two light pulses are sent to the clocks , synchronizing them. Then a light signal is sent from A to B. The two stationary observers record the time from event at A to event at B. Is there a one way speed of light conundrum in this experimental setup ?
 
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Unlike the above references my experimental setup does not include roundtrips of light signals . And furthermore as long as the speed of light is isotropic it would not be necessary to know it's speed synchronizing the two clocks.
 
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morrobay said:
two light pulses are sent to the clocks , synchronizing them. ... Is there a one way speed of light conundrum in this experimental setup ?
Obviously this procedure only synchronizes the clocks if the one way speed of light is isotropic. So you are assuming your conclusion.

There is no possible experiment and no clever setup that can possibly measure a one way speed of anything without some synchronization convention. That convention determines the result.
 
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Could atomic clocks at A and B photo detectors that are started from signal at center of AB axis determine if the speed is isotropic ? The clocks are started at t1 . Then if both clocks at any t2 have recorded the same elapsed time then it seems by construction isotropy can be determined. Ok I see the problem with this : how do both A and B agree on t2
 
There is no possible experiment and no clever setup that can possibly measure a one way speed of anything without some synchronization convention. That convention determines the result.
 
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