Can a beam of light appear to have different trajectories?

In summary, the conversation discusses the speed of a beam of light in different inertial reference frames. The participants question whether the speed of light can change, and conclude that while its speed remains constant, its direction can change in relation to different reference frames. They provide an example of a beam of light shining at a 30 degree angle from the x-axis in one frame, and discuss the implications of that angle changing in another frame.
  • #1
thazard
4
0

Homework Statement


In an inertial reference frame, a beam of light is shone 30 degrees from the x-axis. What is the speed of another inertial reference frame along the x-axis where the beam of light is 90 degrees from the x-axis?

Homework Equations



Can't really think of any equations that would be applicable to this.

The Attempt at a Solution



My reasoning is that this is impossible, which is an option. The speed of light is c in all inertial reference frames, and to the observer in the primed frame, the light would not have its trajectory changed as it is always going at c with respect to them. One of the options is c, which I can understand being the answer as the light would not be moving with respect to the observer in the x-axis, and would have to be in the y-axis. But isn't this impossible - no reference frame can move at c?
 
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  • #2
The speed of light cannot change, but its direction (its velocity) does if you change the reference frame.

This might be easier to see with the opposite direction: Have a beam of light shine orthogonal to the x-axis in reference frame A, now move along the x-axis. Do you expect the light to be still orthogonal to the x-axis? Where would it hit a distant wall in that case, and does that agree with frame A?
 

Related to Can a beam of light appear to have different trajectories?

1. Can a beam of light really have different trajectories?

Yes, a beam of light can appear to have different trajectories due to the phenomenon of refraction. When light passes through a medium with a different optical density, such as air and water, it changes direction, causing the beam of light to appear to take a different path.

2. How does the angle of incidence affect the trajectory of light?

The angle of incidence, which is the angle at which the light ray enters a new medium, determines the amount of refraction and therefore affects the trajectory of light. The greater the angle of incidence, the greater the change in direction of the light ray.

3. Is the trajectory of light always straight?

No, the trajectory of light can also change when it encounters an object or surface. This is known as reflection, where the light bounces off the surface and changes direction. Therefore, the trajectory of light is not always straight and can be influenced by external factors.

4. Can light travel in a curved path?

Yes, light can travel in a curved path. This is known as diffraction, where the light wave bends around an obstacle or through a narrow opening. This phenomenon is commonly observed in everyday life, such as when light passes through narrow slits or when we see the colors of a rainbow.

5. How does the speed of light affect its trajectory?

The speed of light does not directly affect its trajectory, but it does play a role in how much the light ray bends when it passes through a medium. The higher the speed of light in a medium, the less it will bend. This is why light appears to travel in a straight line in air, but bends when it enters a denser medium like water.

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