Re: New Light On The Speed of Light


Sue... wrote:
> Symmetry Observer wrote:
> > If in Special Relativity, we let u denote the
> > proper time of an observer (the invariant time carried by an observer
> > in his rest frame). We have
> >
> > u = t(1 - (v/c)^2)^(0.5)
> > (eq.1)
> >
> > where v is the absolute value of the velocity of the observer with
> > respect to a fixed frame with (conventional ) time coordinate t. Now
> > if we solve (eq.1) for c we obtain
> >
> > c = [v]/( 1 - (u/t)^2)^(0.5)
> > (eq.2)
> >
> > where [v] denotes the absolute value of v.
> >
> > The following is the author's interpretation of the physical im-
> > plications of (eq.2): (your comments will be appreciated)
> >
> > At the instant that an observer, who is moving with constant
> > (absolute) velocity v along the positive x axis of a fixed frame
> > of reference, passes the origin of the fixed frame, let his clock show
> > the time of zero and also let the time as measured in the fixed frame
> > be zero. Then when the observer passes some arbitrary point whose
> > coordinate is x, in the fixed frame, his time will be indicated by u
> > and
> > the time as measured in the fixed frame will be indicated by t. Now
> > if these values of v, u and t are plugged into the right side of (eq.2)
> > the result will be c ( the absolute value of the speed of light).
> >
> > It would seem that an experiment could easily be designed to explore
> > the physical implications of (eq.2). This experiment could easily be
> > repeated for various values of v and x (where the values of the
> > variables
> > u and t are recorded). In each case the value of c predicted by the
> > data
> > (via (eq.2) )should agree with the observed value of the speed of light
> > in vacuum.
>
> Reference frames are mathematical abstractions. Motion wrt
> to them has no effect on the experiment.
>
> Observers are charges or coupling structures coupled to whole
> experiment by the strongest long-range force we know of:
> http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/electric/elefor.html
> Indeed, their inertial mass is responsible for the constant
> speed of light.
> http://physics.nist.gov/cuu/Images/alphaeq.gif
>
> With that in mind, can you express your experiment a little
> clearer so it doesn't read like driving directions that tell
> how to move the road below the automobile. :o)
>
> Sue...

Equation #1 is associated with the very essence of Special Relativity.
I merely
solved it for c. My question is simply this: if we measure v, u and t,
in an appropriate experimental setting, and then plug these values into
the right
side of (eq.2), then should we not get c = 3.00 x 10^10 cm/sec on the
left side or
something very close to it? The
experimental error should be very small using the high tech of today.

If the MMX was conducted, with a high level of accuracy, 115 (?) years
ago, then we should have no trouble conducting the experiment implied
by (eq.2).

Let me put it this way. Eq. (1) implies that if we plug in t, v and c
(as observed
experimentally) on the right side, then we will get the proper time u.
On the other hand, (eq.2) implies that if we plug in t, v and u (as
observed
experimentally) on the right side, then we will get the speed of light
c.

Why don't we do the experiment repeatedly and verify that it works?

.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: A Very Simple But Fundamental Question
    ... Symmetry Observer wrote in message ... respect to a fixed frame with time coordinate t. ... I began with the mathematical formula for proper time. ... Now back to equa.and the proposed experiment. ...
    (sci.physics.relativity)
  • Re: A Very Simple But Fundamental Question
    ... proper time of an observer (the invariant time carried by an observer ... respect to a fixed frame with time coordinate t. ... I began with the mathematical formula for proper time. ... Let's present a physical interpretation of your equation. ...
    (sci.physics.relativity)
  • Re: A Very Simple But Fundamental Question
    ... proper time of an observer (the invariant time carried by an observer ... respect to a fixed frame with time coordinate t. ... I began with the mathematical formula for proper time. ... A Fundamental Theorem of Particle Physics ...
    (sci.physics.relativity)
  • Re: A Very Simple But Fundamental Question
    ... proper time of an observer (the invariant time carried by an observer ... respect to a fixed frame with time coordinate t. ... the result will be c (the absolute value of the speed of light). ... I began with the mathematical formula for proper time. ...
    (sci.physics.relativity)
  • Re: New Light On The Speed of Light
    ... >>> proper time of an observer (the invariant time carried by an observer ... >>> of reference, passes the origin of the fixed frame, let his clock show ... > Equation #1 is associated with the very essence of Special Relativity. ... then we should have no trouble conducting the experiment implied ...
    (sci.physics.relativity)