What is the need to find the speed of light ?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the significance of determining the speed of light in various media, particularly focusing on its implications for understanding optical properties such as refractive index and optical density. Participants explore both the practical applications and the philosophical motivations behind such measurements.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question the necessity of finding the speed of light in a specific medium, asking how this knowledge is beneficial.
  • Others propose that determining the speed of light is essential for calculating the refractive index and understanding optical density.
  • One participant emphasizes the broader pursuit of knowledge in physics, suggesting that curiosity itself can justify the inquiry into such measurements.
  • Another participant challenges the idea that a practical need must exist for every scientific inquiry, advocating for the value of knowledge for its own sake.
  • A later reply highlights the importance of knowing the speed of light for calculating refraction angles, particularly in lens design.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether there is a necessity to find the speed of light in a medium. While some see practical applications, others question the need for such measurements, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Some statements reflect assumptions about the importance of practical applications in scientific inquiry, while others suggest a more philosophical approach to knowledge acquisition. The discussion does not resolve these differing perspectives.

aaeushsingh
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What is the need to find the speed of light in a specific medium ?
How will knowing that light travels at 0.723c in gelatin going to help us ?
not just gelatin but any medium in general
 
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To find the refractive index?
To judge the optical density?
 
aaeushsingh said:
What is the need to find the speed of light in a specific medium ?
How will knowing that light travels at 0.723c in gelatin going to help us ?
not just gelatin but any medium in general
Who says there IS a need? If you find something discussing finding the speed of light in a medium that same discussion is likely to include some indication of WHY there is a usefulness to finding it.

I guess basically what I'm asking is, what is the point of your question?
 
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if you are interested in physics you want to determine as much as possible.
What is the charge on an electron? Are they all the same?
What is the force between 2 masses a certain distance apart
These, and more, are the basis of physics knowledge
Keep looking and hope that you find an anomaly. Then you are a star
 
And, why does there need to be a need. Why can't it just be a matter of wanting to know?
 
UncertaintyAjay said:
And, why does there need to be a need. Why can't it just be a matter of wanting to know?

Try to get funding with that kind of a reason.

Zz.
 
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Haha. Luckily I'm too young for that. But yeah, i suppose if i want a career in physics, I'll need to think of good reasons.
 
One obvious reason is to find out the refraction angles at the surface. The index of refraction is the most important parameter in making a lens.
 

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