if we are travelling at the speed of light, and we shine a torch ahead of us, will we be able to see the light??
plz give reason!
2007-11-22 23:57:18 · 26 answers · asked by addy 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
According to Einstein:
``If I pursue a beam of light with the velocity c (velocity of light in a vacuum), I should observe such a beam of light as a spatially oscillatory electromagnetic field at rest. However, there seems to be no such thing, whether on the basis of experience or according to Maxwell's equations. From the very beginning it appeared to me intuitively clear that, judged from the standpoint of such an observer, everything would have to happen according to the same laws as for an observer who, relative to the earth, was at rest. For how, otherwise, should the first observer know, i.e., be able to determine, that he is in a state of fast uniform motion? One sees that in this paradox the germ of the special relativity theory is already contained. Today everyone knows, of course, that all attempts to clarify this paradox satisfactorily were condemned to failure as long as the axiom of the absolute character of time, viz., of a simultaneous, unrecognizedly was anchored in the unconscious. Clearly to recognize this axiom and its arbitrary character really implies already the solution to the problem.''
2007-11-23 00:00:55 · answer #1 · answered by leedsmikey 6 · 2⤊ 5⤋
If a cricketer is bowling the ball in his standing position the ball will be having certain velocity. (say 50 kmph). But if he bowls while running with a speed of 40 kmph, the ball will be having a speed of 90 kmph (50 + 40).
Similarly,if you are traveling with the speed of light (say 'c') & lighting the torch to produce a beam of velocity 'c', the resultant velocity of the beam should be " 'c' + 'c'" m/s.
Throwing a javelin by a running athlete & a standing athlete has got a lot of difference. Similarly, by mere logic, torch beam should have"2 c" m/s
2007-11-23 08:48:16 · answer #2 · answered by Joymash 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The speed of light is fixed and apparently can't be exceeded.
If you could possibly travel at that speed, switching on a light on your vehicle, the beam would not be seen as it is already at its maximum speed with the vehicle and therefore can't leave the light source to shine ahead of you.
2007-11-23 08:37:51 · answer #3 · answered by Norrie 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Hello great thinker.. :)
This is a bit tricky question which cannot be answered till we reach speed of light....
Consider a Fly which goes around a light in a train(speed about 100mph)... the Fry will go along with the train, but not flying at a speed of 100mph.....
So if light is really a Corpuscular then i think you can see the light only inside your spaceship(according to me)....
Let me add few points.....
*Speed of light cannot be reached according to Einstein
*Traveling at the speed of light dimensions of spaceship=0
Better see this "http://www.glenbrook.k12.il.us/gbssci/phys/mmedia/specrel/lc.html"
so its a funny thinking traveling at speed of light....
2007-11-23 08:57:10 · answer #4 · answered by Karthick 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
This question is one of the paradoxes caused by faulty assumptions.
Because you cannot travel at the speed of light, the question really has no meaning and therefore no answer.
2007-11-23 08:40:36 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
you cant travel at the speed of light
even if you do, you will see light from torch if you aim it at yourself
2007-11-27 07:29:42 · answer #6 · answered by wasif 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes u would be able to see the torch light id yu are holding the torch in front of u.
It is based on assumption that light of torch is at bout one meter from ur eyes.
There are two beams of light on whihc u are riding an dother beams which is emited by torch , both are trevelling at the speed c but separates by a distance of 1 meter.
The analogy could be drawn in any motion.
suppose u are trevelling in a car . And there is a provision to to rocket fire a car from bonnet another car, and the car trevels at the same speed as ur car. To u in the car the second car will be stationary but visible.
If the second car is fired from side door or boot then by analogy it will not be visible.
2007-11-23 08:20:42 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 4⤋
If you are holding a torch then both u and torch are traveling at the speed of light so u won't see the beam of light emitting from the torch.
2007-11-23 08:01:26 · answer #8 · answered by Tony W 4 · 0⤊ 4⤋
When you are travelling at the speed of light, light will travel at the same speed. Your speed does not add to that of the light.More over Unless light is not reflected of any surface you WONT be able to it.
According to me this should be the correct answer but if it isnt please let me knor the right one.
2007-11-23 08:36:55 · answer #9 · answered by AdiScience007 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
No you wont , because for you to see the light the light must be reflected of a surface to your eyes since you traveling with the same speed you have traveled ahead before the light reaches you .
For you knowledge , it is impossible to travel at the speed of light because if we do we will be a new dimension moreover at the speed of light you cannot apply the laws pf physics because as you travel faster your mass keeps increasing .so energy you need is tremendous
2007-11-23 08:03:11 · answer #10 · answered by Murtaza 6 · 1⤊ 4⤋