Why does it not go faster or slower in that medium? Why that particular speed?
2006-09-23 19:17:10 · 13 answers · asked by syrious 5 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
In general relativity, the speed of light is a fundamental feature of the geometry of spacetime.
Aloha
2006-09-23 19:33:08 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 2⤋
An unhindered photon, or quanta or electromagnetic radiation, will travel at "c" or [approx] 186,000miles per second. Depending upon how the atoms or molecules of certain matter interact with the photons by refracting or reflecting them, will cause the light to possibly slow down. The famous Michelson-Morley experiment confirmed light travels at a constant velocity while disproving there was an "aether". Einstein extrapolated upon Maxwell's equations to determine the speed. And, many, many experiments have proved light speed is "c". Yes, there have been some experiments that have slowed photons down to around 40 miles per HOUR, not per second, by passing it through certain gaseous compounds. But, no experiment has ever gotten light speed to exceed "c". Now, as far as "Why that speed"? It just is. It's a law of the universe.
2006-09-23 20:53:35 · answer #2 · answered by quntmphys238 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
light has a constant Velocity, although it has been proven that Light has Mass. It is the top limiting speed in the Universe. The earth is 93 Million Miles from Earth, therefor at 189,300 MPH the light from the Sun reaches us in just 499 seconds, rounds off to 500 seconds. Light can be bent by the Earths atmosphere, but it does not slow down appreciably. The speed of light was measured by Michelson and Morely using a Mile long Vacuum built on an abandoned reailroad. Radar beams travel at the speed of light, that is how they accurately measure the distance between the Earth and the Moon.
2006-09-23 19:27:28 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
It was determined by James Clerk Maxwell that the speed of light has to be what it is based on theories of electricty and magnetism. Although he didn't know at first that light was a traveling electro-magnectic wave. When the speed of light was measured by Michelson and Morley, it was found to be exactly the same as the predicted speed of propagating electormagnetic waves.
2006-09-23 19:41:44 · answer #4 · answered by Demiurge42 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
186,000 miles per sec.
Vacuum basically means in space. Otherwise, light like sound travels at different speeds through different elements. I don't know why, but I'm pretty sure that would be a good question to ask God when you get there.
186,000miles per sec is rounded but that particular speed is how much it goes. There is no "why" in facts.
2006-09-23 19:19:10 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
this is the deal, as an merchandise travels speedier and speedier its mass will boost; you have a greater mass occurring the line than status nonetheless. that is something mass elevated by making use of a selection desperate by making use of its velocity. by way of fact the fee of the object strategies the fee of light this coefficient strategies infinity so if the object has any mass in any respect (as all rely does) the potential required to boost up it further strategies infinity additionally. Photons are seen massless debris (alongside with different strange properties) so which you have infinity circumstances 0 it incredibly is incomprehensible.
2016-10-01 07:31:29 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The speed of light in vacuum is determined by the properties of space, specifically its permittivity (ε0) and permeability (µ0). Those determine the strength of electric and magnetic fields, respectively, in space. Light travels through space as an electromagnetic wave, and is described by Maxwell's equations. The speed of light in empty space is given by c=1/sqrt(ε0*µ0).
2006-09-23 19:41:57 · answer #7 · answered by injanier 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the speed of light in vaccum is c~ 3 lakhs metre per sec.c=Eo/Bo
where Eo is maximum electric field vector n Bo is maximum magnetic field vector for electromagnetic wave in vaccum,they r fixed .hence the result.
2006-09-23 19:27:48 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
that is one those qns where god comes in, he made the universe in such a way that light travels at a constant in a vacuum, no more no less.
2006-09-23 19:33:48 · answer #9 · answered by superlaminal 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nobody knows for sure. It is just one of the given facts of nature.
2006-09-23 19:20:27 · answer #10 · answered by bruinfan 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋