Rule of thumb · PhysicsNº 105 / 166

Everybody measures light at the same speed

Measure a light beam and you get 299,792,458 m/s — standing still, running

Why it works

If light’s speed cannot differ between observers, then the things used to

When it fails

It never fails — but at everyday speeds it is unmeasurably small, which is why

Do it exactly

Estimate with the rule, then check it against the calculator that models it properly.

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What is relativity, in one sentence?

Measure a light beam and you get 299,792,458 m/s — standing still, running If light’s speed cannot differ between observers, then the things used to .

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