What is the Relative Speed of Light at an Angle?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the observation of light speed at an angle, specifically addressing the concept that while the speed of light remains constant at 'c' in all frames, an observer may perceive a relative speed of light, denoted as 'c' prime (c') = c*cos(omega), where omega represents the angle of observation. This perception arises from the observer's inability to detect intensity changes. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding velocity vectors, which include both the observed component and the perpendicular component to accurately describe the speed of light.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the speed of light as a constant (c)
  • Familiarity with vector components in physics
  • Knowledge of trigonometric functions, specifically cosine
  • Basic principles of light behavior and observation
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  • Research the implications of light speed in different frames of reference
  • Study vector decomposition in physics
  • Explore the effects of angle on wave intensity and perception
  • Learn about the principles of special relativity and light behavior
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Physicists, students of physics, and anyone interested in the behavior of light and its perception in different observational contexts.

Gear300
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Let us say that an observer, O, saw a ray of light, such as a laser light (yellow curve), pass at an angle (omega). The speed of light would be constant in all frames, but wouldn't the observer record a relative speed of light c' = c*cos(omega) -- orange line -- assuming he/she couldn't tell the intensity decrease?
 

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c' is a component of the velocity. You get the velocity vector if you add the perpendicular component (which you omitted) to it. The length of this vector is called speed.
 
Alright...Thanks for the reply.
 

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