Speed of light for different observers

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on the principles of Special Relativity, particularly the constancy of the speed of light for different observers. It references the Michelson-Morley experiment as a foundation for understanding that light's speed remains constant regardless of the observer's motion. A thought experiment involving a moving train-car and multiple observers illustrates how light can be perceived differently due to relative motion, leading to variations in frequency and perceived speed. The conclusion emphasizes that while light is emitted at a constant speed, its frequency can vary based on the observer's velocity relative to the source.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Special Relativity principles
  • Familiarity with the Michelson-Morley experiment
  • Knowledge of the Doppler effect in light
  • Ability to analyze spacetime diagrams
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of the Michelson-Morley experiment on modern physics
  • Learn to construct and interpret spacetime diagrams for different frames of reference
  • Explore the Doppler effect and its applications in astrophysics
  • Investigate the relationship between light frequency and observer motion in detail
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in deepening their understanding of Special Relativity and the behavior of light in different frames of reference.

  • #61
sisoev said:
This "home work" just shows how deceived people are about wave length and wave frequency.
600 nm in the "home work" is the wave length and it never changes.
:rolleyes:
The frequency is measured in Hz and it depends on the speed of the light - how fast the wave length is observed, and that depends on the additional speed added to it by the moving source or moving observer.
That's not even true for the classical Doppler effect for sound when the source is moving, never mind for light! When a sound source approaches, the observed frequency increases--yet the speed of the sound doesn't change.

When we observer different frequency, we must be able to calculate the wave length (which never changes), but that is impossible without knowing the velocity and add it to the speed of the light.
I already pointed to this in my previous comment but you chose not to comment on it.
You're wrong, as I've said repeatedly.

I still have my last comment coming.
Please read the sticky at the top of this forum--the one titled "IMPORTANT! Read before posting". In part, it says:
This forum is meant as a place to discuss the Theory of Relativity and is for the benefit of those who wish to learn about or expand their understanding of said theory. It is not meant as a soapbox for those who wish to argue Relativity's validity, or advertise their own personal theories.​
You don't seem to be interested in learning about relativity, just in discussing your own personal interpretation. You've had your time. This thread is done.
 

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