It is asking what characteristics differ (and how they differ) from that of the same object viewed in the observer's own frame ( or in a frame moving at non-relativistic speeds relative to the observer).panther2041 said:Homework Statement
Describe what happens to an object traveling close to the speed of light from
the point of view of a stationary observer.
(Hint--there are three differences).
The Attempt at a Solution
I just don't understand what it means by there being three differences?
The speed of light is a fundamental physical constant that represents the speed at which light travels in a vacuum, which is approximately 299,792,458 meters per second.
The speed of light is typically measured using the time it takes for light to travel a known distance, such as in the famous Michelson-Morley experiment. It can also be calculated using the relationship between the speed, frequency, and wavelength of light.
The speed of light is important because it is the fastest speed at which any energy or information can travel in the universe. It is also a key factor in many important theories and equations, such as Einstein's theory of relativity.
To a stationary observer, light appears to be traveling at its maximum speed of approximately 299,792,458 meters per second. This is because the observer is not moving relative to the light source, and therefore does not experience any time dilation or length contraction effects.
According to our current understanding of physics, nothing can travel faster than the speed of light. This is because as an object approaches the speed of light, its mass increases and it would require an infinite amount of energy to reach or exceed the speed of light.