Speed of Light: Does Relative Motion Affect It?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the question of whether the relative motion of observers, such as the movement of the Earth and the solar system through the galaxy, affects the speed of light. The scope includes concepts from special relativity and the nature of reference frames.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions if the relative motion of the Earth at 250 km/s affects the speed of light, suggesting a potential influence despite the speeds being much lower than that of light.
  • Another participant asserts that the speed of light remains constant in all reference frames, regardless of the observer's speed, emphasizing that it is always c.
  • A third participant elaborates on the principle of special relativity, stating that there is no absolute velocity and that the speed of light is c for all observers, regardless of their relative motion.
  • A later reply expresses a nonchalant agreement with the previous points.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the constancy of the speed of light in all reference frames, but the initial question about the effect of relative motion introduces a degree of debate.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the implications of relative motion on the perception of light speed, as it primarily focuses on the established principles of special relativity without delving into potential exceptions or nuances.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in the principles of special relativity, the nature of light, and the effects of relative motion in physics may find this discussion relevant.

lederhosen
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does the fact we are moving at 250km per second around our galaxy and 300km per second around other larger galaxys? have any effect on the speed of light? sure they arent that great compared to the speed of light but does it?
 
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No effect whatsoever. The speed of light is a constant in all reference frames. Even if you are moving at 99.9999...% the speed of light, the speed of light is still c.
 
The basic assumption of special relativity is that there is no such thing as absolute velocity, only one thing relative to another. So if you are moving 250 km/sec around our galaxy, the galaxy is moving 250 km/sec around us, and the speed of light (in vacuo) is c no matter who is measuring.
 
dandy.
 

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