One way speed of light in one reference frame measurement

In summary, the conversation discusses an experimental setup involving two clocks with photo detectors 100 kilometers apart. Two light pulses are sent to the clocks to synchronize them, followed by a light signal sent from A to B. The question is whether this setup can determine the one way speed of light without involving roundtrips of light signals. Several references are provided that have discussed this topic before, with the conclusion being that without a synchronization convention, it is not possible to measure the one way speed of anything. The conversation also explores the idea of using atomic clocks to determine if the speed of light is isotropic, but it is ultimately determined that there is no way for both A and B to agree on a specific time without a synchronization convention. In conclusion
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morrobay
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Two clocks with photo detectors are 100 kilometers apart at A and B. On the center of AB axis two light pulses are sent to the clocks , synchronizing them. Then a light signal is sent from A to B. The two stationary observers record the time from event at A to event at B. Is there a one way speed of light conundrum in this experimental setup ?
 
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Unlike the above references my experimental setup does not include roundtrips of light signals . And furthermore as long as the speed of light is isotropic it would not be necessary to know it's speed synchronizing the two clocks.
 
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morrobay said:
two light pulses are sent to the clocks , synchronizing them. ... Is there a one way speed of light conundrum in this experimental setup ?
Obviously this procedure only synchronizes the clocks if the one way speed of light is isotropic. So you are assuming your conclusion.

There is no possible experiment and no clever setup that can possibly measure a one way speed of anything without some synchronization convention. That convention determines the result.
 
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Could atomic clocks at A and B photo detectors that are started from signal at center of AB axis determine if the speed is isotropic ? The clocks are started at t1 . Then if both clocks at any t2 have recorded the same elapsed time then it seems by construction isotropy can be determined. Ok I see the problem with this : how do both A and B agree on t2
 
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There is no possible experiment and no clever setup that can possibly measure a one way speed of anything without some synchronization convention. That convention determines the result.
 
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FAQ: One way speed of light in one reference frame measurement

What is the one way speed of light in one reference frame measurement?

The one way speed of light in one reference frame measurement refers to the speed at which light travels in a single direction in a specific reference frame. It is a fundamental concept in physics and is often used to understand the behavior of light and other electromagnetic waves.

How is the one way speed of light in one reference frame measured?

The one way speed of light in one reference frame is typically measured using precise experimental methods, such as interferometry or time-of-flight measurements. These methods involve measuring the time it takes for light to travel a known distance in a specific reference frame.

Why is the one way speed of light in one reference frame important?

The one way speed of light in one reference frame is important because it is a fundamental constant in the universe. It plays a crucial role in many theories and equations in physics, such as Einstein's theory of relativity and Maxwell's equations of electromagnetism.

Is the one way speed of light in one reference frame constant?

According to the theory of relativity, the one way speed of light in one reference frame is constant and independent of the motion of the observer or the source of light. This means that no matter how fast an observer is moving relative to the source of light, they will always measure the same speed of light in their reference frame.

What are some implications of the one way speed of light in one reference frame measurement?

The one way speed of light in one reference frame has many implications in physics, including the concept of time dilation, the constancy of the speed of light in a vacuum, and the idea that the laws of physics are the same for all observers. It also has practical applications in fields such as astronomy, telecommunications, and navigation.

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