A question about speed of light

In summary, the conversation discusses how to calculate the distance between a person walking at 5km/h and a car traveling at 60km/h in the same direction relative to the person. It also mentions the velocity of light at 186,000 miles per second and how two objects traveling at the same speed but with a head start of 186,000 miles would be apart after an hour. The conclusion is that they would be the same distance apart after an hour.
  • #1
nirky
12
0
If there is a person walking along the road at the speed of 5km/h and a car traveling in the same direction as the person at 60km/h relative to the person. How to calculate their the distance between them?

Also the velocity of light is 186 000 miles per second and what if both object X and Y can travel at 186 000 miles per second but object Y has an head start of 186 000 miles. How far apart would they both be in an hour? Or will there be no difference between them?

Thanks also for your help.
 
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  • #2
nirky said:
If there is a person walking along the road at the speed of 5km/h and a car traveling in the same direction as the person at 60km/h relative to the person. How to calculate their the distance between them?
Insufficient information. They could be adjacent, they could be a mile apart.

You could calculate how far apart they are after a given duration since they passed each other. Is that what you're asking?

They are separating at 55km/h. That's 55,000 metres every 3600 seconds.
Convert that to units of your choice, say metres per second, and multiply by the number of seconds of your desired duration.
nirky said:
Also the velocity of light is 186 000 miles per second
c = 186,262mi/s.

Not nitpicking - this will matter in your scenario:
nirky said:
and what if both object X and Y can travel at 186 000 miles per second but object Y has an head start of 186 000 miles. How far apart would they both be in an hour? Or will there be no difference between them?

Thanks also for your help.
They cannot travel at the speed of light (unless they're photons). But at 186,000mi/s (99.86c), they are still 262mi/s short, so it's OK.

They are traveling at the same speed. After one hour, they will be the same distance - 186,000 miles - apart. Is there a reason you would think otherwise?
 
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Related to A question about speed of light

What is the speed of light?

The speed of light is approximately 299,792,458 meters per second in a vacuum.

Why is the speed of light important?

The speed of light is important because it is the fastest speed at which energy, information, and matter can travel. It also plays a crucial role in many scientific theories and equations.

How was the speed of light first measured?

The speed of light was first measured by Danish astronomer Ole Rømer in 1676 using the timing of the eclipses of Jupiter's moons.

Has the speed of light ever been broken?

No, the speed of light has never been broken. According to Einstein's theory of relativity, it is the universal speed limit.

Can the speed of light be manipulated?

No, the speed of light cannot be manipulated. It is a fundamental constant in the universe and cannot be altered by any means.

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