--%>

Define Constancy principle

Constancy principle (A. Einstein): One of the postulates of Sir Einstein's special theory of relativity that puts forth that the speed of light in vacuum is computed as similar speed to all observers, in spite of of their relative motion. That is, if I'm travelling at 0.9 c away from you, and fire a beam of light in that direction, both you and I will separately compute the speed of that beam as c.

One of the outcomes of this postulate (i.e., one of the predictions of the special relativity) is that no massive particle can be accelerated to (or beyond) the light speed, and therefore the speed of light also symbolizes the eventual cosmic speed limit. Only mass-less particles (collectively termed as luxons, comprising photons, gravitons, and probably neutrinos, must they prove to indeed be mass-less) travel at light speed, and all other particles should travel at slower speeds.

   Related Questions in Physics

  • Q : What is Eotvos law of capillarity

    Eotvos law of capillarity (Baron L. von Eotvos; c. 1870): The surface tension gamma of a liquid is associated to its temperature T, the liquid's critical temperature, T*, and its density rho by: gamma ~=

  • Q : Free fall acceleration What do you mean

    What do you mean by the term free fall acceleration? State its significance in brief?

  • Q : Define Constancy principle Constancy

    Constancy principle (A. Einstein): One of the postulates of Sir Einstein's special theory of relativity that puts forth that the speed of light in vacuum is computed as similar speed to all observers, in spite of of their relative mot

  • Q : Negative mass defect State is it

    State is it possible that the nucleus consists of negative mass defect?

  • Q : What is Roche limit Roche limit : The

    Roche limit: The position about a massive body where the tidal forces due to the gravity of the primary equivalent or exceed the surface gravity of a specified satellite. Within the Roche limit, such a satellite will be interrupted by tides.

  • Q : Define Carnots theorem Carnot's theorem

    Carnot's theorem (S. Carnot): The theorem that states that no engine operating between the two temperatures can be more proficient than a reversible engine.

  • Q : Define Hertz or SI unit of frequency

    Define Hertz or SI unit of frequency: Hertz: Hz (after H. Hertz, 1857-1894): The derived SI unit of frequency, stated as a frequency of 1 cycle per s; it therefore has units of s-1.

  • Q : What is Loschmidt constant or Loschmidt

    Loschmidt constant: Loschmidt number: NL: The total number of particles per unit volume of an ideal gas at standard pressure and temperature. It has the value of 2.687 19 x 1025 m-3.

  • Q : What is Gray Gray : Gy (after L.H.

    Gray: Gy (after L.H. Gray, 1905-1965): The derived SI unit of engrossed dose, stated as the absorbed dose in which the energy per unit mass communicated to the matter by the ionizing radiation is 1 J/kg; it therefore has units of J/kg

  • Q : Define Lumen or SI unit of luminous flux

    Lumen: lm: The derived SI unit of luminous flux, stated as the luminous flux produced by a uniform point source of 1 cd releasing its luminous energy over a solid angle of 1 sr; it therefore has units of cd sr.