What would you see if you travel at the speed of light?

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers around frequently asked questions in physics, particularly those that often frustrate experienced members. Key topics include misconceptions about photons and mass, the behavior of electrons in atoms, and the nature of light speed travel. Participants suggest creating a sticky thread to compile these common questions and their answers, aiming to streamline discussions and improve knowledge sharing among members. The discussion highlights the need for clarity in physics education and the importance of addressing persistent misconceptions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Einstein's theory of relativity, specifically E = mc²
  • Basic knowledge of quantum mechanics and its principles
  • Familiarity with the structure of atoms and electron behavior
  • Awareness of common misconceptions in physics education
NEXT STEPS
  • Create a comprehensive FAQ on "Common Misconceptions in Physics" including topics like photon mass and electron behavior
  • Research the "Double Slit Experiment" and its implications in quantum mechanics
  • Explore the "Triple Slit Experiment" and its relevance to current physics debates
  • Investigate the role of sticky threads in online forums for improving knowledge dissemination
USEFUL FOR

Physics educators, students, and enthusiasts looking to deepen their understanding of fundamental concepts and address common misconceptions in physics discussions.

  • #61
The propagation of light in various media also seems to come up frequently. Maybe some of the resident CMP gurus could cover that? Maybe with a brief mention of polaritions since some doubt the abs/re-em.-picture, although with wrong reasons.
 
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  • #62
inha said:
The propagation of light in various media also seems to come up frequently. Maybe some of the resident CMP gurus could cover that? Maybe with a brief mention of polaritions since some doubt the abs/re-em.-picture, although with wrong reasons.

Would you like to volunteer?

:)

Zz.
 
  • #63
inha said:
The propagation of light in various media also seems to come up frequently. Maybe some of the resident CMP gurus could cover that? Maybe with a brief mention of polaritions since some doubt the abs/re-em.-picture, although with wrong reasons.

Great...You can start writing:wink: :-p

Make sure you incorporate the discussion on the contradiction how light can "slow down" although photons have constant velocity equal to c. I think the analogy with the car (with constant velocity) and the three stopping lights explains this very well.

Good Luck

regards
marlon
 
  • #64
hah, I knew I should have put more emphasis on the word guru. Maybe I'll try to scrape something up.
 
  • #65
Inha,

we are eager to read your contribution to the Physics FAQ... :)

we are veeeery eager...

regards
marlon
 
  • #66
I've noticed in the Astro section an awful lot of questions based upon a misunderstanding of the expansion of the universe.
 
  • #67
Danger said:
I've noticed in the Astro section an awful lot of questions based upon a misunderstanding of the expansion of the universe.

would you like to volunteer Danger ? :)

marlon

ps : let's tackle the questions mentioned in our list first. Perhaps later we can solve the more advanced cosmology questions. Hey, we might even create a cosmology FAQ in the appropriate subforum. But i do think we will be needing people like SpaceTiger, Pervect, Nereid on board...My knowledge of cosmology is both limited and a bit rusty to say the least

:)
 
  • #68
I'm not qualified, Marlon, but otherwise I would. I realize that we weren't planning to add any more right now, but I was worried that I might forget to mention it later. That happens a lot.
 
  • #69
Danger said:
I'm not qualified, Marlon, but otherwise I would. I realize that we weren't planning to add any more right now, but I was worried that I might forget to mention it later. That happens a lot.

Hey Danger, don't be so modest. I have read many of your posts and i liked both the message and the way in which you presented your message. You have a very clear way of writing and that is what we need. So far, i think there are not too many people working on this. So, if you feel like it, i would appreciate the fact that you write an answer to one of these questions. The answers are required to be understandable and , having read your posts, "writing crystal-clearly" is a quality you possess.

In short, please reconsider, please...you can pick any question or add one...:)

regards
marlon
 
  • #70
Once again, Marlon, I think that you overestimate my abilities, but thank you. Okay, I'll take a shot at the hovercraft one.
As for the expansion thing that I mentioned, it would probably be best to just copy one of Space Tiger's beautifully crafted responses on the subject.
So, where do I submit the thing once I get done?
 
  • #71
Danger said:
So, where do I submit the thing once I get done?

You have to mail it to ZapperZ. He handles all texts. I think he gave an email address here in this thread. Otherwise, just PM him to ask it.

Good Luck

regards
marlon
 
  • #72
Thanks. It'll take a while, but I'll do my best.
 
  • #73
There have been no agreement or decision on FAQ's for other forums. I don't moderate them, so it will be presumptious of me to make any decision on those fourms. If you wish, you may contact the Astro Moderators in this matter.

Zz.
 
  • #74
Smurf said:
What would you see if you travel at the speed of light?
Be careful with this one--not such a crazy question. On page 118 of the 1973 book by the late Jacob Bronowski, "The Ascent of Man", you will find a picture of a boy, who asked the following question "What would the world look like if I rode on a beam of light" (Albert Einstein, age fourteen).. As stated by Bronowski, the genius of men like Einstein is that they ask transparent, innocent questions which turn out to have catastrophic answers.
 

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