Understanding the Frame Dependence of the Speed of Light in a Medium

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SUMMARY

The speed of light in a medium is frame dependent, contrasting with its constant speed in a vacuum, c, across all inertial frames. In superfluids, light can slow to a few miles per hour, indicating that relativistic effects would be significant if this speed were uniform for all observers. The discussion highlights the Lorentz transformation for time, revealing a potential misunderstanding in its application. The correct form of the transformation should account for group velocity when measuring light speed in a medium.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of special relativity and Lorentz transformations
  • Familiarity with the concept of group velocity in physics
  • Knowledge of superfluid dynamics and its effects on light propagation
  • Basic mathematical skills for manipulating equations in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of group velocity on light propagation in various media
  • Explore the detailed mechanics of Lorentz transformations in special relativity
  • Investigate the properties of superfluids and their impact on light speed
  • Review FAQs in the General Physics forum for additional insights on light speed in mediums
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, students of relativity, and anyone interested in the behavior of light in different media will benefit from this discussion.

madness
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The speed of light in a vacuum is c in all inertial frames. What about in a medium? Light in a superfluid can be slowed to a few miles per hour, so if this speed was the same for all inertial observers, relativistic effects would be very noticeable on an everyday speed-scale. This doesn't happen, so the speed of light must be frame dependent in a medium. Is there a relation that describes this, or some explanation of why this is the case?
Another thing that is confusing me is this: the Lorentz transformation for time is
t' = gamma(v)[t-vx/c^2], rearranging gives
t = t'/gamma(v)+vx/c^2
which is not what i get from the lorentz transform in reverse
t = gamma(-v)[t'+vx/c^2], where gamma(v) = gamma(-v)
Hopefully someone can point out my mistake. Thanks.
 
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Hint1: That "speed of light" that is being measured is the group velocity.

Hint2: You may want to read one of the entries in the FAQ sticky located in the General Physics forum.

Zz.
 
t = gamma(-v)[t'+vx/c^2]
should be
t = gamma(-v)[t'+vx'/c^2]
 

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