Speed of light measured in/by a parallel frame moving at c

In summary, the speed of light is measured in a parallel frame moving at c, also known as the speed of light in a vacuum. This measurement is constant and independent of the observer's velocity, meaning that the speed of light remains the same regardless of the observer's frame of reference. This concept is a fundamental principle of Einstein's theory of special relativity and has been confirmed through numerous experiments and observations. It has also been used to develop the theory of time dilation and the famous equation E=mc². Overall, the speed of light in a parallel frame moving at c is a crucial concept in physics and has greatly influenced our understanding of the universe.
  • #1
San K
911
1
Scenario:

Alice is "sitting" on photon A
Bob is "sitting" on photon B

both are moving in same direction, their paths are parallel to each other.

Per relativity the speed of light is constant

So Alice will measure Bob's speed to be c
and Bob will measure Alice's speed to be c

yet they are both moving at constant velocity c

how is this (paradox?) resolved?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #3
If Alice accelerates, trying to catch up with photon A, she finds that it still eludes her, traveling at c.
 

1. How is the speed of light measured in a parallel frame moving at the speed of light?

The speed of light is measured in a parallel frame moving at the speed of light using the principle of relativity. According to this principle, the laws of physics should be the same for all observers, regardless of their relative motion. Therefore, the speed of light will be measured as the same constant value of approximately 299,792,458 meters per second in all frames of reference, including a parallel frame moving at the speed of light.

2. What is the significance of measuring the speed of light in a parallel frame moving at the speed of light?

Measuring the speed of light in a parallel frame moving at the speed of light helps to confirm the fundamental principle of relativity and the constancy of the speed of light. It also helps to understand the behavior of light and its propagation in different frames of reference.

3. Can the speed of light be faster or slower in a parallel frame moving at the speed of light?

No, the speed of light cannot be faster or slower in a parallel frame moving at the speed of light. As per the theory of special relativity, the speed of light is an absolute constant and is the same in all inertial frames of reference, including a parallel frame moving at the speed of light.

4. Is it possible for an object in a parallel frame moving at the speed of light to exceed the speed of light?

No, it is not possible for an object in a parallel frame moving at the speed of light to exceed the speed of light. According to the theory of special relativity, the speed of light is the maximum speed at which any object can travel. Therefore, it is impossible for an object to travel at a speed greater than the speed of light.

5. How does the speed of light appear in a parallel frame moving at the speed of light?

In a parallel frame moving at the speed of light, the speed of light will appear to be the same as it does in any other frame of reference. This is because the speed of light is an absolute constant and does not change with the observer's frame of reference. Therefore, an observer in a parallel frame will measure the same speed of light as an observer in a stationary frame.

Similar threads

B A well defined thought experiment
    • Special and General Relativity
2
Replies
55
Views
1K
I Curved spacetime and measurement direction
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
1
Views
507
B A thought experiment: Making astronomical measurements from different floors of a skyscraper
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
25
Views
545
B Metric Line Element Use: Do's & Don'ts for Accelerated Dummies?
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
29
Views
1K
B Measuring the speed of light on moving systems
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
13
Views
1K
I One-Way Speed of Light: Is it Possible?
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
12
Views
2K
B Problem about postulate of the invariance of the speed of light
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
33
Views
2K
I How to Measure Speed of Light & Is It Constant?
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
13
Views
1K
B Speed of Light in Free Space - Einstein's Second Principle
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
8
Views
1K
I Twin paradox for (accelerated) dummies?
    • Special and General Relativity
2
Replies
36
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top