A Puzzling Paradox: Can Light Reach Infinite Velocity?

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of time stopping for an object traveling at the speed of light and whether this would result in infinite velocity. It is explained that while time may appear to stop for the light itself, it does not mean an infinite speed from an external observer's point of view. The concept of a photon not experiencing time at all is also mentioned.
  • #1
Paindealer
10
0
Don't get this...

OK, I know it is impossible to reach the speed of light, but, yeah, so, ummm...

If one could reach the speed of light time stopps,but then light always travels at the speed of light. If time stops for something at the speed of light, then wouldn't it stop for light, maaking light go a distance over 0 time, giving it infinite velocity? Even though it is like 300,000,000m/s and that is a big number, it isn't infinite so how can time come to a complete stop if one was to reach the speed of light?

I don't get that so someone please inject some brains into my ears so I will understand that lol.
 
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  • #2
The proper time concept is really irrelevant to light because it is the time experienced in a rest frame and light has no rest frame. The photon just doesn't experience time; a photon that left a distant galaxy a billion years ago, by OUR time, and just now entered your retina has not experienced any time at all on its flight. Not even, really, zero time.
 
  • #3
Paindealer said:
OK, I know it is impossible to reach the speed of light, but, yeah, so, ummm...

If one could reach the speed of light time stopps,but then light always travels at the speed of light. If time stops for something at the speed of light, then wouldn't it stop for light, maaking light go a distance over 0 time, giving it infinite velocity? Even though it is like 300,000,000m/s and that is a big number, it isn't infinite so how can time come to a complete stop if one was to reach the speed of light?

I don't get that so someone please inject some brains into my ears so I will understand that lol.
Try to synchronize a clock comoving with the photon
 
  • #4
Paindealer said:
If time stops for something at the speed of light, then wouldn't it stop for light, maaking light go a distance over 0 time, giving it infinite velocity?
Yes, you could say that.

But time stopping for the light doesn't mean an infinite speed from an external observer's point of view, it means infinite from an internal observer's point of view.

Light (photons) do not experience time at all. They "see" the entire universe in one instant - as if they really are traveling at infinite speed - in their own frame of reference, that is.


(Caveat: as many posts are likely about to tell you, it is meaningless to speak about photons "seeing" anything, or even a frame of reference moving at c. This is true, but as a fellow layperson, I understand how it can help to loosen the rules to make a leap of understanding. Keep in mind though, that faulty analogies (such as mine, and the clock Bernhard mentions) will eventually steer you awry.)
 

FAQ: A Puzzling Paradox: Can Light Reach Infinite Velocity?

What is the concept of infinite velocity in relation to light?

Infinite velocity refers to the idea that an object is traveling at a speed that is infinitely fast. In the context of light, it means that light is able to travel at a speed that is beyond the normal limitations of space and time, reaching an infinite speed.

Is it possible for light to reach infinite velocity?

According to current scientific understanding, it is not possible for light to reach infinite velocity. This is due to the fact that light already travels at the fastest speed possible in our universe, the speed of light. This limit is a fundamental principle of physics and has been consistently observed in experiments.

What is the paradox behind the idea of light reaching infinite velocity?

The paradox lies in the fact that if light were to reach infinite velocity, it would defy the laws of physics and our understanding of the universe. It would also lead to strange consequences, such as time dilation and infinite energy, which are not observed in reality.

Are there any theories or explanations that suggest light can reach infinite velocity?

There are some theories that propose the idea of tachyons, particles that travel faster than the speed of light. However, these theories are not widely accepted and have not been supported by experimental evidence. The current scientific consensus is that the speed of light is the maximum speed possible in our universe.

How does the concept of infinite velocity impact our understanding of space and time?

If light were able to reach infinite velocity, it would challenge our current understanding of space and time. It would mean that the laws of physics, such as the theory of relativity, would no longer be applicable and would need to be re-examined. This would have significant implications for our understanding of the universe and how it operates.

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