- #1
bmurphy12345
- 3
- 0
If everything is moving (the earth, the sun, the galaxy ex.) how can you calculate the actual speed that something is moving through space?
Actual speed that something is moving through space?
In summary: This is because everything is in motion and there is no fixed point in the universe. The speed of light is constant because it is a fundamental property of the universe, not derived from any underlying principle or formula. It is simply a constant that is observed and cannot be changed. In summary, the speed of light is a constant that cannot be changed and is observed in all frames of reference. This is because there is no absolute frame of reference in the constantly moving universe. Therefore, it is not possible to calculate the actual speed of an object through space.
- #2
Antiphon
- 1,686
- 4
It's all relative. There is no unique actual speed.
- #3
almaron
- 2
- 0
First of all, as I am new here, I apologize if this question has been answered before, is in the wrong forum, etc. I also will preface my question by saying that I have only a laymen's understanding of physics.
On the subject of the speed of light, why exactly is it what it is? I mean, I know that it's constant, and I know how fast it is, but why isn't it faster, or slower. I guess what I'm asking is, what underlying principle, formula, law, equation, size, etc. produces the precise value for the speed of light? From what is it derived (other than just observation)?
Thanks in advance for taking it easy on me if this is an obvious or simple question. It's just one of those nagging questions I've never had a chance to ask anyone who would know.
On the subject of the speed of light, why exactly is it what it is? I mean, I know that it's constant, and I know how fast it is, but why isn't it faster, or slower. I guess what I'm asking is, what underlying principle, formula, law, equation, size, etc. produces the precise value for the speed of light? From what is it derived (other than just observation)?
Thanks in advance for taking it easy on me if this is an obvious or simple question. It's just one of those nagging questions I've never had a chance to ask anyone who would know.
- #4
Antiphon
- 1,686
- 4
Nobody knows Almaron. It's a mystery.
- #5
almaron
- 2
- 0
Thanks, Antiphon. I kind of suspected it might be one of those things. It just seems so fundamental, ya' know? Does anyone have any thoughts on why a speed (that is a simple distance over time) should be in essence the backbone, that so absolutely defines the relationship, or duality of energy and matter?
- #6
1123581321
- 65
- 0
find a way to calculate speed relative to the speed of light, which is constant no matter what is moving, then you can find out how fast you are going. Have fun finding out how to go about doing that, because i don't want to get a stroke thinking about it. there are more important things in life, like figuring out how to make an efficent nuclear fusion reactor, or making fun of hippies.
- #7
DrChinese
Science Advisor
Gold Member
- 8,247
- 1,959
1 said:
Hey, I resemble that.
- #8
reilly
Science Advisor
- 1,077
- 2
1 said:
Like lighten up, man. Cool it, have a smoke, and fuse with the Universe.
Like, wow,
Reilly Atkinson
- #9
1123581321
- 65
- 0
making fun of hippies is just a joke, i didn't mean it to be offensive. if i insulted anyone in my hippie comment, i really don't care because you don't know my real name, adress, or anything so I'm not worried about you going charlie manson on me.
Next time i'll try to keep it strictly science.
Next time i'll try to keep it strictly science.
- #10
DrChinese
Science Advisor
Gold Member
- 8,247
- 1,959
1 said:
No offence taken. Besides, we are a protected species under federal wildlife regulations.
- #11
joleneth
- 2
- 0
almaron said:
The best explanation I heard is that a magnetic field in one direction generates a perpendicular electric field, and vice versa. The speed of light is just the speed necessary for the two to "prop each other up" to propgate.
- #12
1123581321
- 65
- 0
DrChinese said:No offence taken. Besides, we are a protected species under federal wildlife regulations.
pretty soon they will require hippies to live in zoos and little kids will throw food at you
LOL
Fabinacci
- #13
Integral
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Gold Member
- 7,255
- 66
1 said:
Huhh... this is trivial. The speed on anything, relative to c... is c. You have learned nothing.
- #14
Integral
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Gold Member
- 7,255
- 66
The answer is that you can't that is what is meant when it is said that there is no absolute frame of reference.bmurphy12345 said:
You can only know the speed of any object with respect to other objects.
FAQ: Actual speed that something is moving through space?
What is the difference between actual speed and perceived speed?
Actual speed refers to the actual velocity at which an object is moving through space, while perceived speed is how fast an observer perceives the object to be moving based on their own frame of reference.
How is actual speed calculated?
To calculate actual speed, we use the formula: speed = distance/time, where distance is the distance traveled by the object and time is the duration of the travel.
Does the actual speed of an object change?
Yes, the actual speed of an object can change depending on factors such as acceleration, deceleration, and changes in direction. It can also be affected by external forces like gravity or air resistance.
Can the actual speed of an object exceed the speed of light?
According to the theory of relativity, the speed of light is the maximum speed at which anything can travel through space. Therefore, it is not possible for an object to exceed the speed of light.
How does the medium through which an object is moving affect its actual speed?
The medium through which an object is moving can affect its actual speed by either slowing it down or speeding it up. For example, an object will move faster through air than through water due to differences in air resistance and density.