Is the Speed of Light Really 3000 km/s?

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SUMMARY

The speed of light is definitively 299,792,458 meters per second, or 299,792 kilometers per second, not 3000 kilometers per second as initially stated. This value is applicable in a vacuum; light travels slower in other media. The initial claim was incorrect by a factor of 100, highlighting the importance of precise scientific figures in discussions about fundamental physics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, particularly in optics.
  • Familiarity with the metric system and unit conversions.
  • Knowledge of the properties of light in different media.
  • Basic mathematical skills for handling scientific notation.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties of light in different media, such as water and glass.
  • Learn about the implications of the speed of light in Einstein's theory of relativity.
  • Explore the concept of refractive index and its effect on light speed.
  • Study the historical experiments that measured the speed of light, such as those by Albert Michelson.
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Students of physics, educators teaching optics, and anyone interested in the fundamental principles of light and its behavior in various environments.

Rabinow23
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Problem Statement: I know that speed of light is 3000km per second
Relevant Equations: Is it true?

Can someone correct me if I 'm wrong,just interested thank-you
 
Science news on Phys.org
Can someone correct me if I 'm wrong,just interested thank-you
 
Well, it's 299 792 458##\text{ms}^{-1}##, or, equivalently 299 792,458##\text{kms}^{-1}##.
 
Rabinow23 said:
Problem Statement: I know that speed of light is 3000km per second
Relevant Equations: Is it true?

Can someone correct me if I 'm wrong,just interested thank-you
You dropped a couple of zeroes. And this is the speed in a vacuum; it is slower in other media.
 
You are off by a factor of 100.
It is 299,792 Km/s
 

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