Why is speed of light the same (c) in all frames? (An intuitive explanation)
FloatHeadPhysics・2 minutes read
Einstein delves into thought experiments to understand relativity deeply, leading to the conclusion that the speed of light is constant for all observers, challenging Newtonian relativity. This discovery necessitates the development of concepts like time dilation and length contraction, ultimately leading to the famous equation E=mc².
Insights
- Einstein's thought experiment involving moving at the speed of light and turning on a flashlight led to the realization that light's unique property of not needing a medium allows for the detection of motion, breaking Newtonian relativity and establishing the constant speed of light for all observers.
- The development of special relativity by Einstein focused on constant velocity motions, emphasizing the inability to detect such motion through particle experiments, leading to the postulate that constant velocity motion is undetectable and necessitating the introduction of concepts like time dilation and length contraction to maintain the constant speed of light across all frames of reference.
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Recent questions
What was Einstein's famous thought experiment?
Imagining himself moving at the speed of light and switching on a flashlight.
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