2006-07-30 06:32:38 · 7 answers · asked by goring 6 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Einstein asked himself the same question. The answer lead him to the theory of relativity.
The answer is no.
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Can you see your reflection at light speed?
Q: If you are traveling at the speed of light, and you hold up a mirror that is also traveling that fast will you be able to see yourself? Please give an explanation
A: Nothing that has mass can move at the speed of light, but we can imagine an astronaut moving at nearly that fast.
The astronaut, cruising through space at near light speeds, picks up her mirror, and takes a look. Yes. She sees herself.
The reason why is so simple that it took a genius to state it. In 1905, Albert Einstein formulated his Special Theory of Relativity, which results from just two postulates:
1. The speed of light in a vacuum is a constant.
2. The rules of physics have to work the same in all frames of references — moving or at rest — as long as the moving frames are not accelerating. Things have to work as usual.
Thus, our astronaut traveling at a relativistic speed can see herself in a mirror just as easily as an Earthling sitting at a make-up mirror. The rules of nature are the same for both situations. Light from the astronaut's face bounces off her mirror and reflects back at light speed, even though she's traveling at nearly the same speed. She can see herself.
2006-07-30 07:15:27 · answer #1 · answered by Randy G 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Light starting from our face would never reach mirror so its reflection from mirror does not arise.But there is another problem The molecules of the mirror are held together by electromagnetic forces; if mirror were to travel with speed of light, The mirror itself would disintegrate or there would be disturbance of its atomic level orderliness which makes it reflect light following certain laws will not do so now hence the image could not be seen.
2006-07-30 08:11:31 · answer #2 · answered by Let'slearntothink 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you cannot look at the mirror with the speed of light as you are travelling at very high order speed that you wouldnt even notice it pass by .it would be like a point object.
Its like the trees that pass by when you drive the car you dont know its a tree or a pole if you drive at a very high speed.
IF both you and the mirror are moving at the speed of light you would be able to see your image as both are moving with the same speed hence its similar to being stationary
2006-07-30 06:38:06 · answer #3 · answered by swaze 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you would prorably only see the same image that you saw when you accelerated to light speed since we don't really "see" objects we see reflections of light off of objects. Once you hit lights speed yoiu would be traveling at the speed of sight as well.
2006-07-30 06:41:05 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
im not exactly sure what you mean, but it you turn your head at the speed of light while looking into a mirror yes it probably would, like dopplers effect on sound right?
2006-07-30 06:36:16 · answer #5 · answered by dodong scarface 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good question. I think the answer would be yes.
2006-07-30 06:35:45 · answer #6 · answered by Linda 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you wont be able to look at your reflection
2006-07-30 06:36:01 · answer #7 · answered by Truly Madly Deeply 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋