One way speed of light measurement

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the measurement of the one-way speed of light, exploring the feasibility and implications of various experimental designs. Participants examine the conceptual challenges associated with measuring the one-way speed of light, particularly in relation to synchronization conventions and round trip measurements.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes a method involving a timer and mirrors arranged in a circle to measure the speed of light, questioning the validity of their logic.
  • Several participants argue that the proposed method measures round trip time, which does not provide a valid measurement of the one-way speed of light due to the dependence on synchronization conventions.
  • Some participants assert that it is fundamentally impossible to measure the one-way speed of light independently of the synchronization convention.
  • There is a discussion about whether the round trip measurement can provide any information about the one-way speed, with differing opinions on the matter.
  • One participant suggests that if the experiment is conducted perfectly, it could indicate whether the speed of light is constant in all directions or varies.
  • Another participant challenges the feasibility of deducing information about the one-way speed from round trip measurements, emphasizing the independence of round trip speed from synchronization.
  • References to Reichenbach’s synchronization convention are made, with requests for clarification and resources regarding its implications for the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally disagree on the implications of round trip measurements for understanding the one-way speed of light. While some assert that round trip measurements cannot provide valid information about the one-way speed, others believe it may still offer insights under certain conditions. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the potential to deduce one-way speed characteristics from round trip measurements.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the limitations of the proposed experimental design, particularly the reliance on synchronization conventions and the definition of the speed of light. There are also unresolved questions regarding the assumptions underlying the proposed methods and the implications of different synchronization conventions.

  • #31
Does anyone know how to close a thread?
i don't want to argue anymore.
 
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  • #32
The Baron said:
i don't know what is Reichenbach’s synchronization convention
Maybe you should start there then. Your calculation does not show anything about what information can be gained about Reichenbach’s ##\epsilon## with your approach. Therefore, it sheds no information whatsoever on the one way speed of light.

The Baron said:
Does anyone know how to close a thread?
i don't want to argue anymore.
Done
 
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  • #33
The Baron said:
here is a "calculation
Calculations need to be posted directly in the thread using the PF LaTeX feature (you will see a "LaTeX Guide" link at the lower left of the post window if you need help with that), not in an attachment.
 

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