in the time dilation formula, is c the speed of light in vaccuum or the speed of light in whatever medium through which the observed oject is moving? why?
2007-02-08 12:09:52 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
In the time dilation formula, or Lorentz Factor, C is the universal constant of the speed of light in a vacuum.
Since the velocity in the formula squared is divided by C squared, if C is slowed in a medium, the ratio will remain the same - it is a ratio of the velocity to the speed of light in a vacuum - and not to the varying speeds of light through different mediums.
This scenario really has no real meaning (other than mathematical) since we can hardly reach these speeds in a vacuum, let alone through a medium which would slow light appreciably.
2007-02-08 12:53:12 · answer #1 · answered by LeAnne 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's the speed of light moving through a vacuum.
The speed of light going through a medium (the apparent speed) has nothing to do with the space/time relationships.
2007-02-08 20:52:47 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
c is traditionally used as a constant (the speed of light and vacuum). I have often seen v used as the variable speed (speed of light in a media, speed of objects in relativity, etc.).
These are just conventions, and there is no fundamental reason why we use a particular letter (other than it makes it easier to quickly read stuff if everyone uses the same letters for the same things). You can use any letter you like, as long as you define what that letter means to the person reading your work.
2007-02-08 23:57:31 · answer #3 · answered by tomz17 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
it is the second one. because the speed of light is not const so the time delation depends on the speed of light in whatever medium through
2007-02-08 20:37:53 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋