The discussion centers on the nature of light speed, specifically the constant speed of light at 299,792,458 m/s, and its relationship with thermodynamics and entropy. Participants explore why light appears to slow down in different mediums, the implications of gravitational effects on light, and the hypothetical scenario of a perpetual light beam between perfectly reflective mirrors. Key conclusions include that light does not lose speed in dispersive materials due to group velocity effects, and that perpetual motion of light contradicts the laws of thermodynamics, as energy cannot be created or destroyed.
PREREQUISITESPhysicists, students of physics, and anyone interested in the fundamental principles of light, thermodynamics, and the nature of energy transfer in physical systems.
The photoelectric effect does not enter into this. In the photoelectric effect an electron is IONIZED, simply not the case in common reflections