Relativity and the Constant Velocity of Light

  • Context: Undergrad 
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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the constancy of the speed of light in a vacuum, emphasizing that this principle is a fundamental postulate of the theory of relativity. Participants clarify that while light travels at a constant speed (denoted as c) in a vacuum, its speed decreases when passing through materials, which does not alter the foundational principles of relativity. The conversation also touches on the implications of light's speed in different mediums and the necessity of defining new theories if light behaved differently in various environments.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Einstein's Theory of Relativity
  • Familiarity with the concept of the speed of light (c)
  • Knowledge of light propagation in different mediums
  • Basic principles of physics regarding frames of reference
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of light speed in different materials
  • Study Einstein's postulates of special relativity
  • Explore the concept of frames of reference in physics
  • Investigate the effects of medium on light speed and refraction
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in the principles of relativity and the behavior of light in various environments.

dock
there goes another relativity!

as some member stated:
"the velocity of light is constant in vacuum"

i wonder:

"is it because the vacuum is all alike?"

"would the velocity of light be constant in same kind of waters?"

"would we have to define new theories for relativity then?"
 
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I consider vacumn to be the absence of material particles (materials composed of atoms) so yes all vacumn is the same.

Of course light takes more time to transit a given distance in the presence of atomic material. Haven't you read a single thread concerning this? There are many.

Just like if you are dirving at 35km/h, it takes longer to go the same distance if you must stop a traffic lights every intersection then if there are no lights.

The theory of Relativity was derived with the speed of light in vacumn constant as a fundamental postulate. The speed of light in materials does not have any effect on this.

Be careful where you take this thread Dock!
 
clarifying thought

The principle of relativity by itself doesn't have to do anything with material(or absence of it) through which light travels. It simply(sic!) states that light travels with the constant velocity ( := c) in all frames of reference which move with constant speeds in respect to each other.
 

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