I know that normal objects can't travel at the speed of light, only subatomic particles can, therefore the questions is purely hypothetical. However, the same problem appears when for example you're traveling at the same speed as a particular beam/wave and emitting it into a reflective surface traveling at the same speed you are at.
Einstein formulated to postulates that explained what would happen but only for objects moving at speeds slightly slower than light speed.
My question is what would a person traveling at the speed of light see in a mirror he is holding out in front of him?
2006-06-27 23:11:58 · 11 answers · asked by Johnny Buzz 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
If you are traveling at light speed (which of course you cannot do) then time stops completely. Thus you cannot see anything at all in the mirror.
2006-06-28 01:24:31 · answer #1 · answered by NotEasilyFooled 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If the mirror was traveling with you at the exact speed of light or less, you would see yourself, as you would looking in a mirror standing still, because of realtivity. However, if the mirror was stationary and you were traveling at exactly the speed of light, you would still see yourself as you would just standing still, because in order to beat an image of your self you would need to travel faster than light. If your were traveling faster than the speed of light with the mirror in your hand, you would see nothing, as the waves from your image would not be able to catch up to the mirror. However, if you traveled faster than the speed of light (say 2 seconds) and the mirror was stationary, it would see you but 2 seconds after you have passed it. The same principle works for the speed of sound.....and a microphone.
2006-06-28 14:19:44 · answer #2 · answered by Kari L 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The speed of light is the same in all inertial reference frames and since you are at a constant speed you are part of an inertial reference frame. Therefore, if you could travel at exactly the speed of light, you would see in the mirror whatever was behind you.
2006-06-28 06:39:32 · answer #3 · answered by itsverystrange 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To put it very simply, light is not matter, and therefore it does not behave like matter. When you(matter) travel at the speed of light, you will see light travelling at the speed of light(not matter). Also, when you travel at the speed of light, you will have your own spacetime that is different from what is outside you. Light bounces off your face reaches the mirror and you see yourself.
2006-06-28 06:51:19 · answer #4 · answered by vs1h 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sorry about the BIG answer.I dint read the part where u said it was a hypothetical problem.So ive got another soln
Let us asume that this man travels at the speed of light so you must know the lorenz factor.1/(1 - (v^2/c^2) )^(1/2)
so, at the velocity of light (v=c)
lorenz factor=0
that means mass of the man=(m0)/0 where m0 is the mass of the man in rest
his mass becomes infinitely large
m=v.d (volume.density)
so either his volume must be infinity or density must be infinity o both
but we cant possibly imagine such types of bodies which means we cant see them.so he cant see himself or anything.he will see what a reflecting surface "really" looks like
2006-06-28 06:40:50 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
you would see your own face because relatively, you and the mirror at rest to each other. for instance, if you are travelling in a train at a speed of 100miles per hour, you still will be at rest to your fellow companion. you will still see him after 10 min. however, the objects outside the train are moving at a speed of 100miles/hr with respect to you, train and ur companion. so, you will not be able to see the same tree you saw 10 min.ago! it all is related to relativity of motion.
hope that this helps you.
all the best!
good question!
2006-06-28 06:18:58 · answer #6 · answered by bastiboy 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
thts tough to answer...if you're travelling at the speed of light, the light that you reflect will be stuck to you, i mean the reflected light wont shine on the mirror to make a reflection...atleast this is what it seems like when you first think of it
2006-06-28 06:17:28 · answer #7 · answered by ahcir 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well I don't think I would be able to see ****, traveling at that speed.
2006-06-28 06:16:22 · answer #8 · answered by Rick A 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
he would see himself streched out I think. But your question is very good and difficult to answer at least for me
2006-06-28 06:17:11 · answer #9 · answered by independant_009 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hey
2006-06-28 06:13:38 · answer #10 · answered by spankeds13 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋