Is the speed of light relative?

Question

Is the speed of light relative?
If two photons are travelling at opposite directions then what will happen?

Answer 1

In a Newtonian model, relative velocities are additive. For velocities that are small compared to the speed of light then this concept rounds off to be true (extremely small difference). But when speeds are comparable to light then relativistic effects take place.

An observer that is limited by physical laws cannot be one of the photons. It would be cool to ask a photon questions but there are no talking photons. The best we can do is to observe a photon when we are traveling close to light speed. When we observe the photon we notice that it will have a certain wave length and frequency. It will not matter if we try to chase a photon or if it is coming head on to us. c = freq x wave length. Space and time dilation will occur to force this relation to be true. By the way I'm not saying that the freq or wave length will always be the same. Just their product.

Answer 2

No. The speed of light in a vacuum is an absolute. Remember that speed is a function of space (distance) and time. Einstein discovered that both time and space are relative, but that lightspeed cannot change.

If two photons (or two anythings) travel in opposite directions at the speed of light, they will disappear over each other's event horizon. That means that from the perspective of each one, the other has disappeared from the observable universe.

Answer 3

the speed of sunshine is a continuing for an observer in each reference body. this is the elementary theory in the back of the (particular) idea of relativity. because this is the (axiomatic) starting up aspect also for the final idea of relativity (it really is a idea of gravitation), for sure all calculations to envision the speed of sunshine for an observer in yet another reference body will always finally end up restoring the "enter": the speed of sunshine is a continuing in each reference body. if so it really is an round reasoning: c =const. => lots of mathematical gymnastics => c = const. (even as finished top) So, to attempt to exhibit that the speed of sunshine isn't a consistent, using the concept of relativity (and gravitation is a relativistic outcome) is a ineffective attempt. in reality, in case you hit upon that the speed of sunshine is *no longer* consistent, is a favorable evidence that you made some blunders on your calculations, maximum likely mixed up some reference frames. do not hassle, that still takes position to expeirenced physicist at times.

Answer 4

You have good Q?

Answer is no.

But.

In vacuum or any Media it is same and not relative. But change the Media and you can make it different, or even zero.

If two photons are travelling at opposite directions then what will happen?

Simple they pass each other if their line of travel is any thing but same{skew or parallel or even intersecting(exception is only one case, if set by calculation on collision path on two intersecting lines)}.

In case of collision, effect will be same as proton collision, laws of vector will apply.

Answer 5

meetmickeymoon is right.
As per relativity theory, speed of light (in vacuum) is absolute and invariant. As measured by anybody. including photon itself.

Answer 6

Good questions.

1) No. Because, we know that the speed of light is very high which we can't measurable with our sense. It has 3*10^-8 cm/sec. So, there is no possibility to speed of light is relative.
And other one reason is that, we can't use the speed of light is not as a reference but use only comparitively.
2) If two photons were travelling in opposite directions then they are doesn't bombarded. Because the two are having the same charge as +ve. And we know that same charges are repelled each other and opposite charges are attractive each other.

I hope that it is clear explanation to your doubt. But this answers are in my knowledge.

Answer 7

no the speed of light is 'c' in any frame of reference. this is also one of d postulates of einsteins theory of relativity,if 2 photons move opp.2 each other then each one would feel d other 2 be movin @ d speed of c.