Why is the speed of light limited?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the question of why the speed of light is limited, exploring the theoretical and conceptual implications of this phenomenon. Participants examine the nature of speed, its relationship with electromagnetic forces, and the foundational postulates of relativity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that the reason for the speed of light being limited is not fully understood, describing it as a fact without a clear explanation.
  • Others suggest that the concept of speed needs to be reconsidered, noting that the value of the speed of light (c) is fundamental and not arbitrary.
  • One participant argues that if the speed of light were infinite, the logic of electromagnetic forces would be invalid, implying that the finite speed of light is essential for the existence of atoms and molecules as we know them.
  • Several posts mention that the speed of light is a postulate based on empirical observations, with some emphasizing that the theory derived from this postulate has been repeatedly confirmed by empirical facts.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the speed of light is a fundamental aspect of physics, but multiple competing views remain regarding the reasons for its limitation and the implications of this phenomenon. The discussion does not reach a consensus on the underlying reasons.

Contextual Notes

Some limitations in the discussion include a lack of detailed definitions of speed and the assumptions underlying the postulates of relativity. The relationship between the speed of light and electromagnetic forces is also noted but not fully explored.

Simtrad
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TL;DR
Why is the speed of light limited?
Summary: Why is the speed of light limited?

Why does light have a maximum speed?
 
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Nobody knows. It's a fact.

Hello Simtrad, :welcome: !

Here at PF we do encourage folks to do some research themselves. We have no way of helping with such broad and general questions if we don't know where you start from ...
 
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Simtrad said:
Summary: Why is the speed of light limited?

Why does light have a maximum speed?
It's more to do with the way you're looking at what 'speed' means, I think. There was a recent thread in which the idea of giving c a value of 1 was the starting point and all the rest hangs on it. The School and Newtonian definition of speed is OK for most slow speed situations but it's not enough to explain everything.
c is not arbitrary; it's far more fundamental.
You must read around as much as you can and then come back with some more informed questions.
 
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The speed of light, relativity, and electromagnetic forces are all intimately related. If the speed of light was infinite, the logic of electromagnetic force would be invalid and the universe would be completely different. Atoms and molecules would not exist as they are now. So maybe the speed of light is finite because otherwise, things wouldn't work out and we wouldn't be here to ask the question.
(See How Special Relativity Makes Magnets Work . More examples of how closely the theories are related can be seen in Einstein's Gravito-Electromagnetism, Gravity of moving mass in General Relativity )
 
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No one knows yet... It's a postulate.
 
It's a postulate based on very accurate empirical facts.
 
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Yes and the theory derived from that postulate has also been confirmed time and again by empirical facts.
 

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