Is the speed of light constant even for an object which is accelerating?

Question

Is the speed of light constant even for an object which is accelerating in free space?

score 2 · Accepted Answer · answered Dec 23 '19 at 17:10

2

No, as the object would be in a non-inertial frame of reference.

answered Dec 23 '19 at 17:10

m4r35n357

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Steven Thomas Hatton · Answer 2 · 2019-12-23T18:31:48.963

-1

Yes, but only instantaneously. If at any instant the acceleration were to stop, the speed of light would be $c$ relative to the observer who was accelerating. Acceleration means to continually change inertial frames. In each of those frames the speed of light is $c$ relative to the frame. Mathematically this may be stated $\frac{dc}{d\tau}=0$.

edited Dec 23 '19 at 18:31

answered Dec 23 '19 at 17:18

Steven Thomas Hatton

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28

Is the speed of light constant even for an object which is accelerating?

2 Answers2