- #1
AgentPancake
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why isn't it like infinity or something.
Why is the speed of light limited to a countable number
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Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the nature of the speed of light, specifically why it is a finite constant rather than infinite. Participants explore the implications of this within the framework of physics, particularly in relation to the principles of relativity and mathematical constants.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- Some participants question why the speed of light is not infinite, suggesting a curiosity about the fundamental nature of physical laws.
- One participant asserts that the finite nature of the speed of light follows from the special principle of relativity, which posits no preferred frame of reference.
- Another participant notes that the speed of light has been defined as exactly 299,792,458 m/s since the early 1980s, drawing a parallel to the constancy of the number π.
- A participant comments on the terminology used, indicating that "countable" refers to cardinality and is not directly related to the concept of infinity.
- One participant challenges the wording of the original question, suggesting that it is poorly framed and that any number is countable, thus questioning the premise of the inquiry.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the nature of the speed of light and its implications. While some points are clarified, there is no consensus on the underlying reasons for the speed of light being finite versus infinite.
Contextual Notes
The discussion includes assumptions about the definitions of mathematical and physical constants, as well as the implications of relativity, which may not be universally agreed upon or fully explored.
- #2
Hootenanny
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As I said in your other thread, the fact that the maximum speed, which coincides with the speed of light in vacuum, is a finite constant follows from the special principle of relativity, i.e. that there is no preferred frame of reference.AgentPancake said:
P.S. On a somewhat less unhelpful note, the simple answer nowadays is that we define it that way. Since the early 1980's the speed of light has been defined to be exactly 299,792,458 m/s. The speed of light is finite and constant for the same reason [itex]\pi[/itex] is finite and constant.
- #3
AgentPancake
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hmmm, its like something made the laws of pi and the speed of light etc
- #4
Hurkyl
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Aside: "countable" is a measure of cardinality, and thus little to no relation to notions of magnitude or other geometric measure, or to the extended real number [itex]+\infty[/itex].
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AgentPancake said:
Nope. It doesn't seem like that at all from the observation that constants exist. Also, the OP has been answered well all ready but I'll just add that the question is worded poorly, any number is countable. The question is really "why isn't light infinite".
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