Introducing the concept of photon mass into a discussion of Relativity is just plain mean spirited! :D:D:D

Just trying to spin things up a bit. I hope this doesn't polarize the discussion. :)

:)

That's because the speed of light isn't a constant. The speed of light IN A VACUUM is a constant. The speed of light in other media is different, and what allows things like lenses to bend light.

Shine light against a brick wall and you slow it to a speed of zero ;)

Zeeman splitting of atomic spectra? Polarization of gas clouds? There are numerous ways to calculate the magnetic fields of remote locations.

As trekkor would say...just guesses. ;)

Honestly, the best explanation of Special Relativity that I've read is from the horses mouth:
http://www.amazon.com/Relativity-Special-General-Albert-Einstein/dp/1103842471/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1242664289&sr=1-4

I have this on my bookshelf here at work right now, and I reference it when needed.
http://www.amazon.com/Relativity-Special-General-Penguin-Classics/dp/0143039822/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1242664289&sr=1-1
Cheaper version. Should be the same thing.

Trekkor still thinks that you can put them there up spin electrons together, as long as Someone says it's OK :p

Well, it's certainly OK with Me. ;)

Thanks Mike, I have to admit, my hope was to spur more of a metaphysical, philosophical discussion. with a bio/biochem degree, I had to take physics, but never enjoyed it, nor appreciated it. I've taken up its study recently and wish I could go back to school...maybe in 2-3 years, but not now.

Lots to learn and theorize about, so I thought I would open a discussion. Greatly appreciate all the rich discussion points. I find it fascinating that constants pertaining to the everyday human experience are in fact variables in our universe.

Constants, variables...meh. Philosophically speaking, it's all just one's point of view. ;)

Pansy :p

http://www.gutenberg.org/etext/5001 The e-book version of the out of date book I actually have. The physics is basic, as is the math. That's part of the beauty of Special Relativity (not General!!), it's not much beyond geometry, 1st year physics and some creative thinking.

As to why "c" is constant? Because, it's how it has to be. Why not ask why all apples are red, or why all dogs are male? SmileWavy

c = over my head
 

PM to Shaun84targa-- Re: c = over my head

Quote:
Originally Posted by milt:
"Realizing that if I could travel through space at the SOL, I could freeze time. The postulation in your video states all matter in space is moving at the SOL. I guess you can conclude what my question is. Don't try to answer it, I won't understand. --Milt"



"you should post that Milt!" --Shaun

:confused: :D

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1242667739.jpg

There's that Dopler effect again!

In my field, the "dopeler affect" describes the rush of stupid ideas coming at you so fast that they eventually appear to make sense.

You're an upper level manager?

rest mass

particle in a box

string theory

No, I'm an engineer - these "ideas" originate from all levels of management...