Negative Light Speed: Explaining the Physical Meaning of -c

[renerob]

If e=mc^2, then (e/m)1/2= either +c or -c. What is the physical meaning of minus c?

 

[Matterwave]

e=mc^2 shouldn't be used to try to find "c". "c" is a defined constant of 299792458 m/s.

 

[dreiter]

Mathematically -c exists, but this is a non-physical result, and is therefore ignored when using the e=mc² equation. :)

 

[Nabeshin]

e=mc^2 shouldn't be used to try to find "c". "c" is a defined constant of 299792458 m/s.

Precisely. Imagine the equation like this:
$$E=m(2)^2$$
$$2=\pm \sqrt{\frac{E}{m}}$$

Hope this clarifies.

 

[PJC01]

The concept of negative light speed, represented by -c, is a theoretical concept that has not been observed or proven in the physical world. In the equation e=mc^2, c represents the speed of light, which is a fundamental constant in physics and is always positive.

When we take the square root of both sides of the equation, we get (e/m)1/2= either +c or -c. This means that the value of c can be either positive or negative. However, in the physical world, the speed of light can only be positive, so the concept of negative light speed has no physical meaning.

It is important to note that the equation e=mc^2 is a simplified version of the more complex theory of relativity, and it does not account for all the factors and variables involved in the speed of light. Therefore, the concept of negative light speed is not applicable in the real world and should not be interpreted as a physical phenomenon.

In conclusion, the physical meaning of minus c is purely theoretical and has no practical application in the physical world. Scientists continue to study and explore the concept of negative light speed, but until it can be observed and proven, it remains a theoretical concept.