when astronomers observe a super nova explosion in a distant galaxy, they see a sudden, simultaneous rise in visible light and other forms of electromagnetic radiation. Is this evidence to support the idea that the speed of light is independent of frequency? Please Explain.
2007-04-28 09:53:25 · 4 answers · asked by Vienna 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
The speed of light or radio waves all travel at the speed of light . the frequency has nothing to do with the speed of light. In astronomy they measure the red shift which shows that the object is moving away. The shift is known as the Doppler effect . There is apparent frequency shift from the movement of the object . Look up Doppler .
2007-04-28 11:00:32 · answer #1 · answered by JOHNNIE B 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Best guess here is that the speed of light is a universal constant and not dependent on anything. But this is not necessarily the proof of this principle. For the proof see below:
2007-04-28 16:22:15 · answer #2 · answered by rha c 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The speed fo light in a vacuum is independent of frequency (wavelength). But the speed of light through any other medium is determined by the mediums 'refractive index'. If the refractive index is a function of wavelength (and it usually is) we refer to this as 'dispersion'.
HTH
Doug
2007-04-28 10:41:47 · answer #3 · answered by doug_donaghue 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Light has no wavelength of its own. It doesn't travel as a wave. It travels as tiny particles of energy.
2007-04-28 11:42:13 · answer #4 · answered by gatorbait 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋